Page 29 - QARANC Vol 14 No 6 2013

SUMMARY
(Sgt Lyon)
When organizing a winter sports exercise, in addition to the scripted main aims, it is important that the participants all return safely, uphold the good name of the unit and ultimately enjoy themselves. Ex SG enabled complete beginners to master the basics of snowboarding and seasoned boarders’ progress to possibly represent at a higher level, which ticks my main aim boxes. However the fact that they all showed real character when the weather was harsh, kept on getting back up despite all the falls and still managed to laugh it all off when in the “Brolly Bar” was a real testament to the girls and very pleasing for me. The girls all invested in REME snowboarding hoodies, a point that was loved by the REME who are really big on “Esprit de Corps”. If anyone thinks winter sports exercises are a “jolly” then I challenge them to learn a new discipline in -30°C conditions, keep smiling and still make the apres- board activities!
I am a firm believer of the “work hard, play hard” ethos and with the relentless frequency of operational tours and exercises we have these days, winter sports activities are a great way to give some variation but keep enhancing our soldiers’ CPD.
Finally can I take this opportunity to thank all the sources of funding we secured (QA Association), Capt Dunne at 15X, the girls in the Garrison Admin Office, the REME snowboarding instructors and the help given by 102 Bn REME(V) – Thanks to you all!!
QARANC ‘senior’ players contribute to AMS success at Army Inter-Corps Squash Champs
The Army Inter-Corps Squash Championships were held at the Aldershot Garrison Sports Centre 13–15 Nov 12. A five-man team is fielded and points awarded for each game and each match won (best of 5 games). With four matches over 3 days the competition can be demanding with limited recovery time.
However, the shock result of the championships was provided by Maj John Liddell against the Army Ladies number 1, Lt Rosie Hamilton who had earlier announced her arrival at the competition with an impressive win over the top seed of the division. Never one to be daunted by reputation or pedigree, Maj Liddell out-smarted the classy county player with a series of excellent lobs
The QARANC, were
ably represented by,
Maj John Liddell and Lt
Col Gary Kenward, playing at 1st and 3rd string respectively. Also representing the AMS were Capt Ian Richardson RAMC (2nd string), Sgt Keith Shattock RADC (4th string) and Maj David Wright RAMC.
Struggling to field 5 players for all matches the two QARANC veterans proved to be the backbone of the AMS squad, losing only one match between them of the eight played. An in form Lt Col Kenward secured valuable points, dropping only one game over the four matches and gaining maximum points for the team.
Major John Liddell.
THE GAZETTE QARANC 27
and drops. In a dramatic five setter Maj Liddell emerged the victor (9- 2, 9-6, 4-9, 0-9, 9-2) with stamina, stubbornness and excellent shot selection proving the deciding factor. Despite missing key players the AMS team finished a close 4th behind the Infantry B team.
Earlier in the year the AMS squad had visited Gibraltar for the Open competition and enjoyed several training weekends in the UK. If you would like to know more about AMS squash please contact WO1 Kristy Willoughby at kristy.willoughby583@ land.mod.uk.