Multi-activity, 'Western Stretch', Devon,
September 2010
7TH Battalion The Rifles
7 Battalion The Rifles deployed on their
Annual Training Period to Oakhampton camp for 2 weeks on 10th Sep to consolidate
and confirm training that had been taking place throughout the year. In order to
give the soldiers some much needed R&R from the mainly range based
activities, it was decided to organise a series of adventurous training
activities for the middle Saturday. In total, 98 Bn personnel participated in
one of the following:
Mountain Biking – With their own and loaned bikes a
group completed the Granite Way cyclepath that runs from Okehampton to Lydford.
The reasonably flat route ensured that they had time to take in the views at
Meldon and Lake viaducts and squeeze in a cream tea.
Rock Climbing – Utilising our own instructor along
with one from a civilian company, two groups enjoyed a glorious days climbing at
Dewerstone Rocks and Meldon Quarry. Many had not experienced Rock climbing
before and received expert tuition in the safety and basics of this discipline.
Dinghy Sailing/Windsurfing – Ironically, after a
windy week just when more wind would have been appreciated, the wind dropped to
a light breeze. By far the largest group was split into two, with the Dinghy
sailors keeping the driest throughout the day. Several individuals enjoyed it so
much that they expressed an interest in attending continuation courses that are
on offer at various Army facilities. The windsurfers managed to grasp the basics
and towards the end of the day the number of times they required rescuing by the
instructor in a powerboat dwindled to a mere handful! Due to the light winds the
staff at Roadford lake also got the Banana boat out for rides and dunks, and
several Riflemen were given an impromptu lesson in how to drive a powerboat.
Coasteering – To the un-initiated this involves
navigating a stretch of coastline and periodically plunging into the sea from
ever increasing heights. Several small caves were also visited but no one saw
the curious Seal that they were told to keep an eye out for. This challenging
pursuit proved very popular, physically taxing and definitely took the soldiers
outside of their comfort zones.
Kayaking – A small group enjoyed a sunny afternoon
Kayaking on Meldon Reservoir in the sunshine and learning the basics that
included capsize drills and Kayak-football.
Surfing – The group that attended Surfing in Bude
were initially given a basic lesson on the sand before being let loose among the
surf to fend for themselves. At the end of the day most of the group managed to
stand up.
Your grant helped to subsidise the cost of the
7 activities that proved to be very popular with the Riflemen and a much needed
break from the weeks arduous training. Financial support to adventurous training
activities is particularly appreciated at this time of financial constraints and
ensured that the soldiers had the opportunity to experience new activities, be
physically challenged and gain confidence as a result.
Many thanks for your kind support.
Thanks to
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