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The first 5-months here in Cyprus have been an eye-opener, a big decision to move the family and experience the island has quickly become reality after an unexpected assignment presented itself. I was very warmly welcomed by Cpl Marc Phillips and the legend himself “Andros” ...the boys have been outstanding and made the transition a very smooth one. Episkopi Station has had a long-standing footprint on the island of Cyprus providing support to the Resident Infantry battalion (1 LANCS), exercising troops and the wider community.
Delivering the Army Physical Training System (APTS) within the joint service environment poses its own challenges, but our Navy & RAF counterparts approach the training with a very positive mindset. Episkopi station staff, Cyprus Joint Policing Unit, HQ British Forces Cyprus and the Cy Sqn Military Working Dogs all fall under our very diverse delivery remit.
Sport on the island continues to flourish with lots of events to organise and support inclusive of community activities. One thing that quickly became clear is how important community engagement & support is over here. My first 5-months in post has seen 28 sporting events in the calendar and this does not include external activity we support. My first exposure to a BFC event was an off-the- cuff invite to the Door-2-Door 100km cycle by SSgt Matty Kirkbright in week two of the job, swiftly followed the day after by “Apollo’s Skirmish” down at the Military Training Wing (MTW) on Tunnel Beach.... a truly fantastic introduction to the Island and what it has to offer. The months following saw the ever-popular Gym-2- Gym half marathon completed with the following large-scale events still to come:
• Mountain 2 Sea – 60km mountain bike race from Troodos Station to MTW in Happy Valley.
• Bay-2-Bay – individual open water swim over a distance of 1.9 km (1
SSgt (SSI) L Potter RAPTC
The Cypriot Lieutenant enjoying “Apollo’s Skirmish”
nautical mile) from Lemmings Beach to MTW in Happy Valley.
• Cyprus Walkdown – Team Orienteering event over a distance of 40km from Troodos Station to Happy Valley running track.
• CBF Sports Cup – Team competition consisting of 10 individual events conducted throughout the year.
• BFC Athletics – After the completion of the new running surface on the athletics track an island wide competition will be ran to officially open the new facility.
The early stages of the posting have been a learning curve, the job presents several challenges you would not experience in the UK. I would like to thank Cpl Marc Phillips who was the Station AAPTI for 2-years before leaving to commence
Cpl Phillips receiving his commendation
Farewell PT for SSgt M Kirkbright
EPISKOPI & TROODOS STATION
RAPTC Instructor training in Apr 23. He did a fantastic job during his time on the island and will be a great asset to the Corps on completion of his training, shortly before leaving he was rightfully commended for his efforts receiving the first Station Commander’s commendation from Lt Col Paul Francis RIFLES. I wish him, Monica, Jensen and Hunter all the best for the future.
Andros needs no introduction.... Everybody who has been to the Station will have no doubt crossed paths with this legend, he has been a long-standing part of the Gym staff for over 10 years and continues to put his heart and soul into the job. He manages the pool facility and lifeguards superbly and is always looking to improve. Every year he organises a 24-hr charity swimathon for the British legion and this year raised close to 2000 euros!! He is the continuity in this job, and I am sure others who have come before me will agree he deserves his legend status! I am looking forward to seeing what the next 18-months brings on the Island, so I keep being told...... “This is Cyprus my friend”.
Door-2-Door on issued kit
God’s Country