Remembrance...

Another great turnout...
Huge crowd at the square, maybe due to it being the mildest November I can remember.
and many at the Unit, afterwards (including a few that we haven't seen for a great many years) - Toasting absent friends, cheering on the young cadets and of course "Band Practice"

But let's not forget what the day is about...

Our own moment of remembrance for Paul Reece, Killed in Ulster in 1979 - aged only 19. To some an actual friend, but for most of us a poignant reminder of the true meaning of the day.

Death Slide

On Wednesday, I am taking my Daughter to GoApe. Should bring back many memories of our antics many years ago, in particular the Assault Course at "Easter Camp".
The highlight was the Death Slide (Nowaday's known as Zip Wire), I've already seen the zip wire at Delamere and although 4 or 5 times longer and considerably higher, what amazes me was that we "nearly" got away with no accidents and we had no such thing as a harness...

There's me in 1981 - look no harness (wouldn't be allowed now)

I say "Nearly" no accidents - there was of course Phil Doody's broken leg, but most often remembered was Eric Edge's son biting has tongue off, when he fell from it.

Sailing at Hollingworth Lake

Hollingworth Lake

I went on my only Sailing course (April 89) - 1 of the Days there were strong winds, meaning we could not go Sailing. So the kids all went out in Canoes. While on the water, the weather changed drastically to Gale Force.
Nobody could stay upright, so they all had to get out. I had gone out in a Motor Powered Boat, and spent about an hour rescuing the kids from the Water (Obviously they all had life jackets on, but they were being blown across the lake) Most of the canoes were smashed on the Rocks at the far end of the lake.

At the end of the week, when it was time for my Sailing exam - there was no wind at all, I could only manage a Token "Lowest Grade" Qualification.

That week was most memorable for the Weather - I managed to get this shot one evening.