Sgt Slingsby

thumb_slingsby_kelly The Spring Camp of the Black Watch Bn, Army Cadet Force, was held this year at Barry Buddon Training Camp, Monifieth. This was a very special camp for the Battalion, in the special year of CADET 150.
"Welcome", said my Bearer, releasing me from my travelling machine. "Have a cuppa to recover, and then we'll get to work" (I'd rather have had the single malt that Braille and Burra told me about, but as I was rather parched after my journey, the tea would have to do for now).

My Bearer explained that I was to be an honoured guest of the BWACF for their Spring Camp. This is where the young people, aged 12-18, work hard all week to hopefully attain their star awards in the APC syllabus. At muster parade on the first morning, the Colonel introduced me to all the cadets and explained the purpose of my visit. He then went on to present the newly dedicated banners to nine of the detachments - very handsome they were too.

As a senior, and very special, Bear, I was assigned to the four-star cadre - the most senior cadets. The first two days were spent working on first aid, to gain the St John's ambulance qualification. I was a willing casualty for the eager participants, and also had the chance to demonstrate my life-saving skills in CPR. Once the first aid was over (100% pass) my cadre moved onto foot drill. It was clear that my tender paws were not designed for marching up and down the square, so I took the opportunity to visit some of the other cadres to see what they were up to. First stop was an outdoor range where the 3-stars were brushing up on their shooting and skill at arms. Popping back into the office for a coffee, I was fortunate to meet up with both the RSM and cadet RSM who were pleased to pose for a photo with me. In the afternoon, it was off to the Clay Pigeon range where I was able to show off my prowess with a shotgun - well, I AM a bear of many talents! That night, my Bearer was on guard duty and I joined her and her guard for the long boring night. I'm sure the camp slept soundly knowing that I was looking out for them.

Next morning once again dawned clear and sunny and, after a wee nap, I joined the two-stars for some PT and games. Not wishing to be missed out, the Adult Training cadre PIs (Potential Instructors) just had to have their photo taken with this most handsome of bears. The afternoon saw me join the Recruits cadre on the indoor range, where I joined the Shooting Team in assisting with .22 rifle shooting.

As mentioned earlier - this was to be a very special camp in a very special year and we were joined on this occasion by guests from other cadet units. The drill display team from the Durham and Northumberland Wing, Air Training Corps, were first to take advantage of a photo opportunity with me!

The next day I visited HQ, where I met the hard working staff and passed my "Protecting Information" Part 1 - don't ask - its a secret! That evening in the Mess, we were entertained by more of our guests - The Borneo Band and Bugles of Durham ACF. I gave their musical director a few tips on conducting too. Our final group of guests had also arrived by this time; the Drill display team of the Hartlepool Unit Sea Cadets and Marine Detachment. They were accompanied by their mascot who, of course, was just thrilled to make my acquaintance.

Next morning on muster parade, we were treated to a rare sight - the Colonel performing push-ups on the parade square! It transpired that Cdt Sgt McKay had "persuaded" Colonel Passmore to do so, and thus won a small wager, the proceeds of which he kindly donated to holidays4heroes.

All too soon it was the final day of camp and time for the highlight of the week - an open afternoon for families and friends and a Cadet Tattoo in honour of "CADET 150". This proved to be a magnificent spectacle, beginning with the massed pipes and drums of both the Black Watch Bn and Angus and Dundee Bn stirring the soul with a selection of bagpipe music. The drill display teams of our guests each gave a dazzling display, proving that foot drill is not the sole preserve of the Army. The Black Watch ACF staged a tableau of the history of the ACF from 1860 to the present day, incorporating not only many splendid uniforms and costumes, but even Her Majesty Queen Victoria herself, riding in a horse drawn carriage!

The band and bugles also performed superbly in front of our very special guests - Brigadier David Alfrey, the Brigade Commander of 51 Brigade, The Chief Constable of Fife, The Lord Lieutenant and many more. My personal favourite however, was the Honorary Colonel herself, the very lovely Miss Lorraine Kelly, who still hasn't given me her phone number or email!. The final part of the Tattoo was the very moving parade of all the Banners, both those of The Battalion and those of our guests, before the march past and salute taken by the Brigadier.

Like all good things, my week with the Black Watch Bn ACF was rapidly coming to an end, but not before the hard working cadets had a final parade and awarding of the star level certificates and badges. I was thrilled to be awarded my Four-star certificate and badge from the Colonel - signed by Brigadier Alfrey himself!

All in all, we had a great week and, in the process, raised £436.43 for Holidays4heroes.

[Ed: Dear Bearer, you and the BW Bn ACF have been the most amazing supporters of Hols4H. It is difficult to find the words to thank you, as the Bearer, and Col Passmore and all the Cadets and Staff for your support. And Col Kelly: please call me at the usual email address, so I can thank you personally! xxx