Page 140 - Mind, Body and Spirit 2015-16

138
www.raptcassociation.org.uk
ARMY POWER LIFTING CHAMPIONSHIPS
Sgt (SI) J Shackleton RAPTC
The Army Power Lifting Union (APU) meets numerous times throughout the year to compete in single lift disciplines of bench press, squat and deadlift. In November 2015 Sgt (SI) Hodskinson RAPTC and I decided to make the move and compete in our rst push/pull competition held in Middle Wallop. Whilst we were both keen to compete in the event it also placed us in a great position to educate ourselves and develop our understanding of the sport, allowing us to promote it as RAPTCI’s.
It was an early start on the day of competition, making our way to weigh in for 0800hrs. Having made weight, some more easily than others, it was time to refuel ready to make those all-important lifts. Having never competed in this type of event previously we both stood by in anticipation after hearing the various talk on movement standards, however the rumours were quashed at 1000hrs as the lift demonstrations took place. We eagerly watched in anticipation and contemplated reducing our opening lift totals. After much debate we stuck by our guns and began to warm up for our opening bench press.
REGIMENTAL SECRETARY’S REPORT
Lt Col (Retd) G B Jones
General. This has been another busy year for the Association which included the end of an era with the closing of the Army School of Physical Training (Germany), and the rst
Commemorative Service held at the RAPTC Memorial within the grounds of the National Memorial Arboretum. The RAPTC also entered a team into the European Indoor Rowing championships and are entered into the 2017 Army Outdoor Rowing Regatta that will take place in 2016 which we also think is a rst for the Corps.
Whilst there have been a number of rsts during the past year our Trustees continue to successfully manage the Association under the expert guidance of the Chairman, Brigadier John Donnelly CBE on behalf of
all the members. Sadly though, we did say goodbye to Maj (Retd) Stuart McNeish who has decided to stand down and take life a little slower in his retirement. His sel ess commitment and contribution to the Corps for more than 40 years whilst serving and retired is exceptional and greatly appreciated by all members of the Association; we wish Stuart and Pat who has supported him throughout his long career the very best in their retirement.
In his place we welcome Maj (Retd) Tom Parker MBE who
brings a broad wealth of experience to the Committee and
no doubt will carry on the excellent work of the current and past trustees to ensure the Association continues to achieve the aims set out in the RAPTC Constitution.
We have also said goodbye to a number of serving members of the Executive Committee as they move onto new assignments and we thank Maj (MAA) I Phillips RAPTC and Capt (MAA) D Boocock RAPTC for their valuable contributions during their tenure as Trustees for the Association.
At the time of sending the rst draft of this MBS to the publishers Lt Col (SMAA) Steve Davis RAPTC who after two years as the SMAA for the Corps and Vice Chairman of Trustees is retiring from
A slightly nervous start prevented us from achieving the lifts we have previously managed in training, never the less the three lifts went by in a blink of an eye, both achieving good lift totals. The competition focus quickly turned to the deadlift. Some opening totals from other competitors brought hope that we both may be in for a great nish, however the weight soon increased and some big numbers began to be pulled. The deadlift moved fast in the same fashion and we soon found ourselves calculating our total numbers for the day. Sgt (SI) Hodskinson RAPTC Bench Press 130kg and a Deadlift of 220kg. Sgt (SI) Shackleton RAPTC Bench Press 140kg and a Deadlift of 190kg.
Whilst we both performed well overall our total numbers failed to give us that top spot and left us eager to get back to the gymnasium to train for another day. The day nished on a high and placed us in a position to promote the APU, whether you’re new to lifting or a seasoned veteran I would highly recommend taking the time to make that step as we did.
VISITS
Dennis Dent visit A visit to the Scottish Branch to the ASPT always includes a game of Golf
with Maj (Retd) Dougie McGill
Left: The Regt Sec visited the Highland Games where Maj (Retd) S McNeish is the Treasurer
McWilliams Family Visit to scatter the ashes of the late George McWilliams in the Garden of remembrance