REW16 – The Royal Marines Week
November 01, 2024
We were delighted to run another, RMA The Royal Marines Charity commissioned Rural Experience Week
Yet again we have had fantastic weather all week which added to the enjoyment of the programme of a wide range of activities including Environmental Conservation at RSPB Aylesbeare Common with Toby Taylor clearing bracken and making dormouse nesting boxes. The group thoroughly enjoyed rope access and chainsaw maintenance with Lee Kimber and Matt and Kirsty from Hi-Line Training. An interesting and mind-resting (according to the group) visit to a Forest School with Nick Murphy from The Outdoors Group provided a restful point on the week. Tractor driving and equipment familiarisation at Bicton’s Home farm is always popular and the agriculture theme was continued with a visit to long time supporter Jim Pyne at Pulhayes Farm. A visit to Tony Benger Landscaping provided a lot of thoughtful questions and an insight into an employment area most had not considered. Tom Garner at Clinton Devon Estate took the group through the changing role of game keepers and explained how to butcher and add value to a deer carcass, which was a thoroughly engaging session. Dan Haslam from Pryor and Rickett Silviculture generously gave of his time to deliver a comprehensive insight into the forestry world and his experiences.
The week ended with a comprehensive review and reflection of the course, including next steps conversations with Tony Radford, Chris, Pete and Heather and a reminder that both the RMA-The Royal Marines Charity and HighGround offer lifelong support.
Adding to the learning and value of the course we had a couple of fantastic evening speakers.
Monday evening saw Donwynne Bergh (who took part in the 2022 course) and is now working at a local golf course gaining greenkeeping qualifications, he also owns Inyama Biltong and a mobile bar business. His life experience and journey through Royal Marines training was so useful for the the group to hear and talk about with him.
The Tuesday evening visit was to Budleigh Riding School meeting Rob Batson who shared some of his experiences in the King’s Troop RHA and gave t he group an opportunity to work with the horses, which is a huge learning curve for some and truly helps them
On Wednesday evening, our own Pete Boorn took the group through the valuable Wheel of Life exercise which helps participants understand what is truly important in their lives and how to ensure balance.
We were delighted to welcome Matt Jackson DSO, the new CEO of RMA – The Royal Marines Charity who together with Zoe Darnbrough, Head of Education and Employment, spent time talking with the group and understanding their perspective and journeys.
As always we thank everyone who gave their time, knowledge and hospitality so generously and Bicton for again looking after us all so well.
Last word goes to one of the young recruits who said: This is the most important week I have done in ages – hoofing!
The photos can be seen here
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