We're in the Army now?

Initially when I received the email from the lovely Emma, at Oxfam, inviting the team to a day out at the Queen's Gurkhas' Regiment's Barracks near Birmingham, I thought (or would have done if I was a stereotypical Welshman) "...there's lovely!".

The invite had resulted from us (along with many other teams I am sure) having "pledged" to raise over £3,000 - a figure that we have now exceeded.

I thought that it would be nice to spend the day having a look round the Barracks, meeting some of the Gurkhas, learning more about their history and generally having "nice day out".

Sadly, not all of our team were able to attend, despite the promise of Gurkha Curry, but three of us walkers and one of our dear support team were able to.

So I was a little surprised to receive further details today of our "Day Out", which detailed that we would need to bring the following equipment: -

•  drinking bottles (apparently there will be water points!)
•  trainers (I was thinking more of slippers!)
•  gym kit, e.g.: tracksuit trousers or shorts / t-shirt etc (Why?)
•  walking kit e.g.: waterproof clothing / comfortable trousers / warm kit / suncream etc
•  strong walking shoes
•  change of clothes, for the end of the day, esp if weather is bad (Anybody would think we were going to be undertaking serious physical activities!)

So as you can imagine my suspicions were somewhat raised by this point...

...and then details of the activities were sent through: -

               

10:00 - Welcome Briefing

10:15 - Morning Session: 3 of six 40 min activities (groups on rotation)

Stand A - Command Tasks (Team-build activity Gurkha style!)

Stand B - Training and preparation - Tips & advice

Stand C - Walking with kit (Military Exercise Simulation)

Stand D - Army medic - Advice on blisters / injuries

Stand E - PT Circuit & Aerobics

Stand F - QGS: history & current operations

12:35 - LUNCH (NB Precise nature of timing! Clearly 12:30ish wouldn't "cut the mustard")

13:40 - Afternoon Session: 3 of six 40 min stands (groups on rotation)

16:00 - Close

16:15 - Depart

So, whilst I'm not an absolute expert in these matters, the above itinerary would tend to suggest to me that by 4pm on Saturday, we will actually be "real soldiers"!

If I live to tell the tale (remember the Gurkhas' motto) I will let you know how we all get on next week!