Page 72 - Mind, Body and Spirit 2015-16

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for HCMR sports teams to play against local civilian opposition.
To say passions run high is an understatement as Squadrons take each event seriously to ensure they have bragging rights for the remainder of the year. The culmination of summer camp is the Regimental open day which plays host to numerous displays and also a gruelling Land Rover pull.
An exciting time for me was the Chinese state visit, the groundwork and attention to detail which goes into preparing state kit is painstakingly long and will often see soldiers up till the early hours of the morning to warrant standards t for the Her Majesty. The parade itself is a fantastic spectacle, immaculate horses shining in the sun and cuirasses re ected onto buildings as the Regiment rode down south carriage drive. Each man was individually inspected by the CO to ensure he was at a high enough standard
to escort our Monarch. The inspection parade takes anywhere up to 2 hours prior to riding.
With all the high pro le tasking’s and duties Her Majesty has entrusted HCMR with, we still nd time to carry out Sport and Adventurous Training. Like most soldiers HCMR are keen to play any sport to give soldiers a rest from stable routine. We have taken part in a plethora of events since my arrival here. The football team is still in every competition and have a chance at securing silverware come the end of the season. We have also competed in numerous cross- country events, the GOC’s Cup and the LONDIST Basketball, Volleyball & Hockey competitions.
Despite frantically low manning the CO has sent soldiers to France and Norway to compete in Nordic and Alpine Skiing. The feedback was great with everyone who attended thoroughly enjoying themselves.
In recent weeks we have been fortunate enough to make use of the AT centre in Capel Curig sending 6 soldiers away at a time on week long multi-activity packages. This centre has been a great tool for me to get soldiers away on AT, my intention is to trickle feed groups of soldiers away which has minimal impact on manpower and also forge the soldiers to work together in a different environment. The weather was challenging which made it great fun and 1 or 2 soldiers are now keen to progress through the AT scheme and achieve quali cations.
In summary, I am striving to meet the speci c requirements of this unit and still remain committed to nd ef cient ways to maintain high physical standards and keep constant numbers of soldiers participating in sport. I’m eager for 2016 now I understand the ethos of the unit and looking forward to implementing new and exciting ideas and projects.
Ihave been at London Central Garrison from June 2013 so I’m closely approaching my 3 year point and end of tour.
This will be my last MBS entry as a member of LONDIST before I assume my new appointment at 1 GREN GDS in Apr 16.
Activities within LONDIST are still moving at a rapid rate, with preparation for the various state visits, ceremonial commitments including the Queen’s Birthday Parade, which you can imagine takes a lot of strain on the Garrison and PD activities. The Public Duty Incremental Companies (PDIC) continue to battle on with both the ceremonial commitments and physical training requirements in preparation for their future moves back to their residential Battalions.
The PDICs have continued to balance their external commitments along with their physical training ethos. PT became more arduous upon the receipt of 6 Beaver t 100kg Squad Logs. These logs have been used to great effect as part of the Company’s PT programme. They are used around the horse sand track on Hyde
Park so is always spectated by tourists who are transitting through the park.
After a big game of email tennis, we were fortunate enough to organise an AFT at the Olympic Park for Nij COY GREN GDS which proved a huge success and gave all individuals the opportunity to take in the sights of the whole venue.
On a personal level I have continued to represent the Army Senior Team and I was also honoured to represent the UK Armed Forces Football Team to play in a special match against the Irish Defence Force. The xture was played at the home of English Football, St George’s Park. To mark this special occassion we received a full tour of all the facilities and were fortunate enough to play the xture on the Wembley replica pitch. This pitch has only been used by the England Senior Team; not even the u21s have had such a privilege.
In Oct 15 I was requested to attend the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal which took place next to Tower Bridge. The event
LONDON CENTRAL GARRISON
SSgt (SSI) K Emmerson RAPTC
SSgt Emmerson AFT Olympic Park
SSgt Emmerson UK Armed Forces Football