Page 45 - Mind, Body and Spirit 2016/17

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Midlands AOR. We also have several RAPTCIs and a hand full of non-Corps personnel driving sport. In the last year we had the usual events that continue to be well attended such as athletics, British Army Warrior Fitness (BAWF), football, volleyball, basketball and golf. Whilst others that restarted such as climbing, triathlon, road cycling and MTB generated enormous interest which was great to see. This branch would like to thank all those that go the extra mile so others can participate in sport at all levels.
The transition from regular RAPTCI to FTRS combined with a change in appointment from a Signals unit to a Signals Bde has gone well, however if you ask the MAA he would say he has guided me like he would drive a tent peg into the ground. In closing the Bde role is very rewarding, when you are thanked by an RAPTCI or Unit for providing clarity on an issue then that’s all the reward I need.
What a great rst year I have had at the 1st Signal Regiment. Moving in to what was historically a QMSI post was a challenge I was relishing. Whilst knowing the quality of RAPTCIs who had lled the post in recent years made it all the more special. It was very clear during my handover that PD played a big part in daily life within the Regiment. Therefore all that was needed was to grab the tiller and continue to sail in the right direction, whilst adding a bit of my own avour.
What proved to be very successful was the introduction of ‘sport for all’. Mandated sport on Wednesday afternoons as we all know it either happens well or not at all. Here it is part of the ritual, Sports OICs now take over 13 sports each week which has breathed new life in to the soldiers whilst balancing out the working week. With this came a number of success stories, most notably the Regt surprised everyone by winning “Race the Sun” along with many other excellent results. 1st Signal Regiment is full of talented sportsmen and women and it has been a pleasure to serve alongside them.
On 16 Nov 2016 the British Army played host to the “Game of Remembrance” against the Bundeswehr at Burton Albion’s Pirelli Stadium, refereed by the FIFA listed Francios Letexier. It was a great honour to represent the British Army in this xture and to work alongside such a highly regarded football referee.
During the winter months the Nordic ski team competed at both the Royal Signal Champs in Norway and the Army Semi Finals in
France, qualifying for the Army Champs in Ruhpolding, Bavaria. I was fortunate to be part of the team and thoroughly enjoyed coaching and competing in a sport I am passionate about.
Back to the thick of things and having been selected for promotion to WO2 a posting to AFC (H) is on the horizon. Ironically, I will take over from WO2 (QMSI) Marc Murphy whom I once handed over to at 2 CS Bn REME a number of years ago. All I hear is great things about the new role, therefore I am excited about the years ahead which look likely to be challenging and rewarding.
Game of Remembrance
Capt (MAA) C Hames – Leaving gathering “I don’t eat cake”
1st Signal Regiment Battle PT
1Sig Regt Nordic ski team
1ST SIGNAL REGIMENT
SSgt (SSI) A D Allen RAPTC