Page 35 - QARANC Vol 19 No 1 2021

The Gazette QARANC Association 33
Ranges
under
COVID-19
Restrictions
So, 208 Field Hospital showed the resilience it is famous for in delivering what we believe was the first ‘virtual Annual Continuous Training (ACT)’ for the Reserve. A very comprehensive and challenging program of lectures, self-directed learning with certificates providing evidence of said learning and lots of good interaction and involvement from the whole unit. Everyone learnt something daily, and personally I learnt from my colleagues how to change my background on Zoom. (there were some amazing ones, my favourites included a life size picture of our very own Lieutenant Colonel Richard Fawcett from his TV appearances in 999 Critical Condition, dogs and beaches and something about some football team or other winning the league!
There are some things however that cannot be done virtually, shooting down the range being one of them. Our diligent Skill at Arms (SAA) team put a program together that met with COVID-19 guidance at the time (and we all know how often that changes). The three detachments would attend Altcar Ranges on separate days so no large numbers, a dedicated range and large troop shelters facilitated social distancing. Warrant Officer Class 2 Rory Hill proved to be firm in controlling us and ensuring every piece of equipment was cleaned and sanitized prior to and after use, and even our brew station was controlled, expertly done with plenty of products available to use.
So, what about PPE I hear you all shout! Yes, we wore face coverings, many examples on show and an opportunity to inject a little humour into our ‘greens’ was undertaken by some. Gloves were worn for training in marksmanship principles and always good social distancing.
Out on the range each firer had their own coach. Tablets used to show the firer how they were performing and we each made our
Major Janette O’Hanlon modelling the QARANC mask
own adjustments as instructed. The SAA coach always spoke from behind whilst wearing face covering and distanced, and excellent instruction provided over the tannoy from the range hub. Time was taken and many personnel really benefitted from the calm, unhurried and personal approach that was afforded by reduced numbers.
The program was going well until, guess what, the guidance changed as Liverpool City Region became the first Tier 3 region of the country. The ‘so what’ of this, HQ and A sqn personnel who lived within Liverpool City Region could attend Altcar Ranges, as it was in same region, personnel a few miles down the road in Warrington for example could not. Our detachments in Lancaster, Blackpool and Ellesmere Port were also ‘banned’ – you can imagine the banter and humour. Fortunately, these changes occurred in week 1. After liaison with 2 Medical Brigade, the remaining detachments were allowed back into the Liverpool City Region, hoorah!
Objective met. All personnel completed all required shoots on SA80 rifle and the pistol. It had been a few years since some of us had seen those.
Thank you to all 208 Field Hospital Command Team and the SAA team. You were amazing in adapting the training program at a minute’s notice.
Major Janette O’Hanlon
Mask-making afloat on Eclipse of Penarth
we were allowed to sail in local waters again was one of huge celebration for us all. We still couldn’t socialise but we could get out for the day. We formed a flotilla of some 20 boats all dressed for the occasion with flags flying. A wonderful moment, but borders were still shut so we could not leave Portugal. Gradually beach walks were allowed, bars with outdoor tables could open and serve food until 10pm.
A little normality and beautiful weather in a beautiful country meant that for us life wasn’t too hard. We felt guilty watching as the Portuguese lost their jobs, businesses folded and we volunteered for a food bank. The hardship is everywhere and will get worse. We also felt guilty of course hearing of news from home, my daughter working in hospitals on the frontline, elderly parents isolating. The wonders of the Internet and Zoom close the miles but not the worry, and when quarantine lifts and we can safely leave our floating home somewhere secure we want to visit our families; my old Dad in Porth Dafarch and my youngest daughter graduating uni.
Borders opened in July and we headed off again towards Greece, only to decide this past few days that infection rates through countries on our route were too high and risked locking us down in a country away from the safety of Portugal. So we are heading back there for another winter. We will hopefully resume the voyage again next spring and yes, Oz is still on board and we are still speaking! I wish you all good health, stay safe all!
Major (Retd) Andrea Crane