Week 7 Bugler Ford 08 October - 14 October 2001

We have just spent the last six days of week six in Jersey doing our adventure training and I can honestly say that for me, and probably the rest of the Troop, it has been one of the best and funniest weeks of our lives, although quite embarrassing at times.

Our first morning in Jersey we were awakened by the sound of Sgt Griffin screaming at the top of his voice. Within the boundaries of good taste all that we can say is that it involved Musician Clark getting a new nickname, Sgt Connelly being woken up whilst in his sleeping bag and some late night confusion. Suffice to say Sgt Connelly was not best pleased. Moving swiftly on, Musn Cleverly, or 'OZ' as he is known by the Troop, spent the entire week wearing his rather fetching green anorak, which must be at least 90 years old. As he is from 'the land down under' he does nothing but complain about this "****** weather" but he wore a wider smile this week because he was that little bit closer to home. The activities put on for us were all brilliant fun for everyone; even those that are scared of heights managed to cling onto the cliff face like limpets during the rock climbing!

Canoeing proved to be great fun. Everyone at some time or another managed to capsize or fall into the sea. Obviously the members of 'Group A' couldn't get enough of that unbelievably freezing cold sea (which we now all know very well) because they decided to plunge themselves into the harbour wearing nothing but their underwear. Nobody could figure out whether it was funny or stupid.

Scuba Diving was another activity that proved to be enjoyable. There were, however, a few of the Troop who just couldn't get their head around the fact that they were able to breathe underwater without drowning, but everyone managed to survived though.

Cycling was another favourite activity; it involved riding along the scenic routes of Jersey and across the beaches with frequent pit stops on the way - nice one! Unfortunately it was during one of these stops that Bugler Lowe managed to get his cycle helmet blown off the sea wall and into the sea never to be seen again, it had to be Lowe.

The main lesson that I learnt last week was never to try again during PT. It pays to pace yourself, or at least not to win. My reasoning for this?…
On Thursday morning we paired up with a partner for the Troop Triathlon organised by CSgt Curry and Sgt Griffin. My partner and I, 'Lord of the rings' Bug Keeping, won the event taking the first prize of his 'n' hers 'Jersey T-shirts' and a romantic meal for two in a top class restaurant with cabaret, sounds good eh? Think again! We had to wear the T-shirts out that night as part of CSgt Basford's 'sponsorship deal' with the local hotel. On the way to the restaurant for our dinner our driver for the night, Sgt Griffin, got 'lost' and eventually took us back to camp, where the Troop were awaiting us on the steps where they had formed an archway of love. On entering the building we were greeted by a single lonely table in the centre of the beautifully decorated room with flowers and candles etc. So we sat at the table and ate our meal with the eyes of the Troop burning into us, how embarrassing! It was, despite everything, a brilliant night. However, I don't think I was quite as embarrassed as Musician Clark, his face was a picture when the local police turned up, read him his rights, slapped the handcuffs on and marched him outside and straight into the back of a waiting police van. Needless to say it was a stunning practical joke organised by Colour Sergeant Basford and some of his former colleagues now serving with the Jersey Police Force. Colour Sergeant Basford has got most of the week on video, and is threatening to show it at our Passout. He took some cracking photo's that some of us will never live down.

The Troop would like to thank the training team for an absolutely fantastic week. Going from the best to the worst we've got Exercise Twosome in the field next week and I think that might wipe the rather large cheesy grins off our faces. HELP!

Members of the Troop suited and ready to get wet...	... this getting wet is becoming a theme for Troop 1/01!
CSgt Basford gives some one to one tuition...	... as others begin to descend
Visiting one of the sites of local interest...	... and a diffent site of local interest!
The climbing was enjoyed...	...by the Troop 1/01 limpet display team!
Half way up and a quick rest... or is it half way down?	at the top and a photo call
Waiting to form the 'archway of love'	The Troop 2001 Triathlon winners (author pictured left)
Sgt Connolly acts as waiter at an intimate dinner for 2...	... and 23 spectators!

Bugler Ford