Page 86 - RADC Bulletin 2021

SPORT & AT
Wimbledon Tennis Championships 2021
SSgt S Gotora
Every year, hundreds of Armed Forces Personnel volunteer as Service Stewards
at Wimbledon, one of the UK’s most
iconic sporting events and one of the four prestigious Grand Slams. Since 1946 the Armed Forces have assisted in all the tasks of a Steward, including court intrusion, Royal Box, members area, and the three key courts.
Some 400 personnel from across all three services, with approximately 120 Personnel from the Naval Service, are required for each tournament. This is a high-profile event and those in attendance are required to maintain the highest standards of dress and bearing throughout, but it is both enjoyable and rewarding.
I first applied to be a Service Stewart in 2018 and since then it’s been a constant event in my calendar. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, the 2020 Championships did not go ahead as many events worldwide were cancelled. This year’s competition however went ahead occurring at the beginning of July. But, as expected, it
was unlike those of previous years with reduced crowds during the first week and
an incremental build up of numbers each day for the second week until full capacity on finals day. Valid COVID-19 tests were mandated for entry to the grounds. As
part of the government trial for sporting events; safety measures were paramount to minimise risk to staff, players and spectators. Service stewards were required to undertake a COVID-19 test every other day for the duration of the championships.
In my 3 years of attendance I have had
the pleasure to be tasked on No 1 and centre court. Seeing military personnel provides comfort to many members of the public, feeling that our presence contributes to their safety, and as a result great appreciation is shown for our service at home and abroad. As a Service Stewart engaging with the public is part of the experience and is worthwhile. The RADC stands out to most, triggering some inquisitive questions in trying to understand what we do, which I believe promotes and showcases how diverse our Corps is. It’s a sure place to talk teeth all day, something we relish as dental professionals.
The application process is published at the start of each year, allowing enough time
for personnel to plan ahead and request CoC approval. Individuals are required to take at least 10 day’s Individual Leave, to cover a portion of the time in Wimbledon, and an additional 5 days can be granted
to individuals by their CoC often as Stand- down to compensate for periods of intensive activity in which personnel have worked longer hours than normally expected over an extended period. Travel and Subsistence, including daily food allowance, is provided, however, accommodation is not, this falls to the individual.
Unfortunately, applications are open to Regular and Reserve ORs only, a great opportunity to bump into tennis players and well-known faces but mostly a brilliant chance to enjoy some tennis. My biggest highlight is always the atmosphere and
the sheer fight and determination of each sports person that sets foot on the court. A fantastic opportunity for those that would like to try something new, watch some amazing matches and, if lucky, be assigned to the Royal Box.
DENTAL CENTRE
White Space – Sparti Park
Pte M Humphrey
A clear, sunny Cyprus Wednesday morning up in Troodos Mountain was the setting for our long-awaited white space. A day out of the office was what we’d all been waiting for and as the spell of Covid had lifted ever so slightly Episkopi Dental Centre and Dhekelia Dental Centre were able to meet up at Sparti Park.
Sparti Park was the ideal day out picked by Capt Simon Fear. The park, located in the tall green trees of Pano Platres, Cyprus, is a combination of high rope courses. The day was set, ready for us to test and develop our teamwork, strength and courage to climb way above our comfort zone, literally! The team consisted of Cpl Robinson, LCpl Taggart, and Dr McDonald confidently leading the way, then myself, Lorraine, Pte Graham, Yasmin, SSgt Francois, Sgt Griffiths and Louise carefully making our way after
them. Jane, singing her happy song to get her through, and Des were bravely overcoming their fears and bringing up the rear. The man with all the ideas, Capt Fear, was unable to participate in the activities due to a recent accident. However, this worked out well because he was then put into a new role of IC photographer, making sure he didn’t miss any perfect picture opportunities.
The course consisted of completing different elements while being suspended at least 15ft above the ground, with this height increasing as the course went on. We had to climb up and down nets and ladders, go along unsteady logs, wires and bridges and of course multiple zip lines!
After we had completed all the different courses and routes, plus a few extra goes on the ropes for SSgt Francois, we stopped for a quick drink. This was our first opportunity
to speak about and compare our stories of how we had got on with the high ropes and which ones we found difficult and hard to do. It was also the perfect time for a bit of banter and to laugh at ourselves when telling others about the elements we failed on, or had even fallen from, around the course.
Capt Fear suggested that we should go and get some food and pointed us in the direction of a local pub up further up the in the village of Platres, a popular stop off for many who visit Troodos Mountain. Of course, when we got there, we were very hungry so many of us rewarded ourselves with a very non Greek traditional dish of cheeseburger and chips... but definitely what we all needed after a great day at Sparti Park.
84 RADC BULLETIN 2021