Page 80 - The Royal Lancers Chapka 2018

78 REGIMENTAL JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL LANCERS (QUEEN ELIZABETHS’ OWN)
Along weekend meant a much needed respite from long days on the dustbowl, and the opportunity for C Squadron Offic- ers and Seniors to take advantage of the epic mountain scenery and travel to Banff for a day of conceptual discussion. After a long drive everyone was grateful for a quiet night before a bright and early start the next day, where sheltered in a forest glade surrounded by lakes and waterfalls they attempted to square the circle of leadership, identity and cohesion. Despite a few sore heads the morning was highly productive, with a mixture of youth and experience bringing out vital concerns and solutions to be taken forward into the training year. The group discussed current trends and issues within the squadron, with many of the
ideas implemented later on in the summer with great success. Horseback riding followed in the afternoon, with the day culmi- nating in a group meal and another quiet night....
Meanwhile, around twenty intrepid Troopers and JNCOs were busy bettering the Rockies and themselves at Trails End Camp, with a variety of Adventurous Training options on offer. This was extremely well enjoyed by all involved and everyone re- turned to Camp Crowfoot imbued with a fresh sense of adven- ture to set them up for the exercise ahead.
STBK
Grizzly Lancer
Will Theakston was always a reluctant fitness enthusiast during his illustrious time as a Lancer. Rarely the first in the Gym, never to be seen pumping iron in his spare time, not feared for his athletic prowess, more famed for his love of beer and his good nature than his powerful thighs. However it’s amazing what you can do with a group of friends and some pow- erful motivation.
Will is currently somewhere two thirds of the way across the Atlantic Ocean, powering his way to Antigua in a tiny rowing boat with four others of the Men of Oar team in what will sure- ly by the time this reaches print have been a successful attempt to complete the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge. Over the course the seven weeks or so Will and his team mates will row 3000 nautical miles, with no support, rowing two hours on, two hours off for the duration, making your average stag rota look positively indulgent.
They row not only for the undoubtedly huge physical achieve- ment but to raise a massive amount of money for two very noble charities Combat Stress and Bowl Cancer UK.
The team tries to look steely while sampling a collection of loud shorts
Inspired by their example those Royal Lancers deployed in the summer of 2018 to Cyprus held our own row (on two ergos rather than the fairly unimpressive Nicosia canal), matching the 40 days the Men of Oar will take with 40 hours of constant rowing. 80 volunteers rowed one hour shifts, totalling up over a million metres and raising nearly £2000 to donate towards the teams higher target of £250,000. The real row continues, pictures of frolicking dolphins, straggly growing beards and beautiful sunsets continue to flood instagram and you can still donate, please visit www.menofoar.com, or search Men of Oar on social media.
Men of Oar
The boat adopts a hull-down position in the mid-Atlantic