Page 69 - Bugle Spring 2025

Ex BOLD WATER 2
A mentor’s reflection by Ian Staples
In August I took a call from Baz Melia.
Instantly, I knew I was about to be asked for
a favour, one that would undoubtedly cost
me financially. Back in 1984, when we were
Riflemen together, I somehow always ended
up footing the bill. Decades later, things
hadn’t changed! Even when I attended
the Always A Rifleman Programme (AARP)
mental health course, which Baz delivered
in Scotland six months earlier, cost me
dinner and two beers.
‘Geordie, fancy a week of sailing on the
Solent with me?’ he asked. It was a trick
question, but curiosity got the better of me.
As I hung up, I thought, OMG, what have I just
agreed to?
A month later, with just a hint of Deja vu, I
found myself in Gosport receiving a briefing
from Baz. The mission? To mentor two young
Riflemen who were learning to sail as part of
their recovery from serious injuries. Or, as Baz
put it with characteristic understatement, two
very poorly Riflemen who had been through
the wars - literally.
Admittedly, I felt a bit anxious. I had been
delivering outdoor education for the last thirty
years so I wasn’t worried about mentoring two
fellow Riflemen on a sailing trip but avoiding
saying something that might unintentionally
act as a trigger for either of them was terrifying
me. I needn’t have worried. The two lads were
fantastic, their disarming respect for a fellow
Rifleman gratefully welcomed. They seemed
genuinely curious about me, asking why I was
there. I shared my own struggles with mental
health, including a time when I had considered
taking my own life. Back then, the AARP didn’t
exist, but I was lucky to have someone by my
side when I needed it most. Unsurprisingly,
that same person was now one of the AARP’s
emergency call volunteers.
Our first day aboard the Boleh, a beautifully
restored post-war wooden sailboat, was a
gentle introduction. By the afternoon, we
were leisurely sailing to Port Solent, with all
sails bellowing in a brisk breeze. The joy on
the faces of the two Riflemen was priceless.
Confidence oozed out of them as they shared
the helm for most of the return trip. After an
emotionally and physically demanding day,
we capped it off with fish and chips, and lights
were out by 2100 hours.
Ambitions were high the following day as
we set sail for Cowes, enjoying a vibrant mix
of camaraderie and learning. On arrival we
explored the town, had more fish and chips
and enjoyed being connected. All too soon we
were returning to Gosport, and to everyone’s
surprise, the wind had picked up, causing the
boat to heel sharply. Nervously I wondered
how the lads would handle it, but once again,
I underestimated them. They embraced the
challenge, their grins growing wider with
every gust of wind. By the time we docked, I
considered them the bravest competent crew I
had ever sailed with.
The final day arrived all too soon. None
of us wanted it to end. As we prepared our
accommodation for handover, there was a
fleeting moment of dissent. ‘Why bother?’
someone muttered. I reminded them, ‘Because
we are Riflemen. That’s what we do. It shows
respect for the cleaning team and that we
don’t take their work for granted.’ Moments
later, with rediscovered pride, block jobs were
happily complete.
I was overwhelmed with pride for my two
new friends but also struck by a pang of
sadness. If I was feeling this way, I could only
imagine how much harder it must be for them.
The experience opened my eyes to the
incredible impact of the AARP. Seeing these
two young men rediscover joy and confidence
was nothing short of inspiring. Mentoring two
injured Rifleman was as humbling as it was
rewarding. The warmth and camaraderie were
only equalled by the size of their smiles when
they were at their busiest. Of course, I knew
it was just respite from their daily battles and
frustrations, but nothing could detract from
such an inspirational week. Having good
mental health is something so many of us take
for granted, but there are those who aren’t so
fortunate. For once, Baz didn’t take anything
from me, but instead gave me something I’ll
cherish forever; fulfilment.
AARP
‘Geordie, fancy
a week of sailing
on the Solent with
me?’ he asked.
It was a trick
question, but
curiosity got the
better of me.
RIFLES The Bugle 69