Page 11 - QARANC Vol 18 No 1 2020

During July 2019 the Joint Hospital Group (South) preceptors were fortunate enough to embark on two weeks of adventure training, consisting of two groups enjoying a week each of challenging and physical training in Falmouth. Preceptors have a busy clinical life at JHG (S) spending 80% of their time in a clinical setting so a week away from the wards is a much-needed break!
Leaving on Sunday morning the group had an arduous six hour mini- bus ride from the city of Portsmouth to the picturesque landscapes of Tregedna Lodge, only a ten minute walk from the beach, our home for the next week. After surviving WO2 Beech’s cooking we all went to bed excited for the next day’s activity of paddle boarding. Each day during the week differed, from paddle boarding to surfing and mountain bike riding to wall climbing. Every new sport came with its own set of challenges and ensured that everyone was taken outside of their comfort zone at some point during the week.
The first day began with the mission to cover the round trip of four miles armed with paddleboards and paddles, with Mylor Harbour being the destination. The trip was well worth it, as we enjoyed beautiful views across the yacht harbour, and lots of ice cream before taking the challenging journey back to Falmouth. A few lucky preceptors got to enjoy the delights of a speed boat ride with WO2 Beech’s driving skills, taking in the sights of Falmouth and the other preceptors falling off paddleboards!
Our second day began with an early breakfast and a few excited campers. After a short journey over to RNAS Culdrose the group was ready to climb new heights, setting to the walls trying to reach the top and ring the bell.
Corporal Kennet really showed her skills and determination by being one of the first to reach the top. After a highly energetic morning, the preceptors were let loose in the pool to try their hands at the water inflatable assault course. However,nobodywasabletoenterthe pool until Corporal Petch demonstrated how to jump off a 10 metre dive board. This exercise was added to really test the preceptors enabling them to feel a sense of achievement, especially the individuals who completed the challenge even though they feared heights or falling. The preceptors had a thoroughly enjoyable day.
The next water sports the preceptors undertook was surfing on day three, with the location being Gwithian beach, a favourite destination for surfers, where seals are a common sight. Unfortunately for those who were on the lookout for seals, none were seen during the surfing experience. For all surfing seemed to be the favourite activity, as this was a brilliant opportunity to try what most hadn’t before, even if we did only manage to fully stand up on the surf board for a couple of seconds! The afternoon brought a journey back to Falmouth to undertake the joys of kayaking. We all strapped ourselves into our kayaks and got ready for the journey ahead. This involved concentrating hard to keep the kayak from capsizing whilst keeping out of the way of oncoming yachts and other boats.
Our fourth day was to be the most physically and mentally challenging day yet. Lead by an expert crew of Navy PTIs from RNAS Culdrose the group was ready to ride their noble steeds into battle. Unfortunately, no steeds were found on base, so mountain bikes filled the gap. With the group thinking a leisurely cycle was on the agenda circumnavigating the Penrose
Mountain biking – hopefully a trusty steed for this nervous looking rider!
National Park proved difficult at times, their hopes were dashed when they faced their first mountain (rather high grass knoll). The group enjoyed a mid-way break to take in the sun and enjoy some high tea, before we wearily started our journey back to RNAS Culdrose. We had just about got used to the hills when we almost lost CPONN Connett to the cliffs below. Luckily, he only sustained superficial injuries to his body but it seemed his pride was much more damaged.
The last evening at Tregedna lodge was finished off with a BBQ. The Water Sports Centre staff were in attendance to say thank you for their tuition and guidance. An early night was required by all due to the epic return to JHG (S) in the morning soon approaching.
This week pushed us to our limits, developing teamwork, mental and physical robustness, stamina and determination as well as fostering a teamwork ethos.
Corporal L Byrne and Corporal C Petch
The Gazette QARANC Association 9
Joint Hospital Group (S) Adventure Training
Paddle boarding in rather choppy waves!
Surfing – no luck in standing up!
Indoor climbing – who gets to ring the bell first?