REW17 – Royal Navy week
May 06, 2025
We are beginning to expect glorious weather for every rural week!
6 Royal Navy personnel arrived at Bicton College on another sunny Sunday for the first Rural Experience Week of 2025. The purpose of these weeks is to focus on wellbeing, help them find ways of reconnecting with themselves and other as they hope to return to full duties and for those who may already be signed off, begin the process of preparing them for possible careers after service.
Monday was spent with Toby Taylor the RSPB Ranger at Haldon Hill on Environmental Conservation activities including installing new fencing. on a hot day, the Factor 30 and HighGround beanie hats were well used! The evening was spent with Pete Boorn taking them through the Wheel of Life aimed at helping the group understand the priorities in their lives and think about how to achieve the balance they require.
On Tuesday the group stayed in the Park at Bicton, spending the day with long-term supporters with Matt and Kirsty from Hi Line learning about rope access, and having a huge amount of fun tree climbing and learning how to conduct rescues. After a much need and delicious supper, they met Kevin Bond who took them on a tour of the Bicton College farm.
A short trip up the motorway on Wednesday morning took them to visit former Royal Marine and rural week beneficiary Lee Kimber who taught them about chainsaw maintenance and use and got them working with the saws to put theory into practice – always a popular activity and one that helps instil confidence and restore faith in their abilities.
A Board meeting on Wednesday gave the Trustees a valuable opportunity to meet and speak with beneficiaries, something they always enjoy and learn a great deal from. This connection with those the charity is set up to serve is essential in helping us ensure we are delivering what is needed and to make changes through guidance from those who know best what works.
Fully rehydrated and fed, the group then spent Wednesday evening with Rob Bateson at Budleigh Riding School learning a little about working with horses and getting an opportunity to work one on one with the animals and understand the power of connection through the Changing Lives with Horses programme. A thought provoking evening with the potential to have a significant impact on wellbeing.
Thursday took the group to Forest School, Exmouth spending time with Nick Murphy where they made. They also had a very hands on session with dry stone waller and RAF veteran, Jeff Green who introduced them to the art and how it is possible to make a career from it.
Friday morning with veteran and HighGrounder Jamie Ranson is always a much talked about session. He talks openly with the group about his transition from the military to self employed tree surgeon. Jamie is a wonderful and generous supporter of the rural weeks and we deeply appreciate the time he gives.
On Friday morning Chris and HighGround CEO Jamie Crisp talked about next steps HighGround can continue to support them. And with that, the course drew to a close and we wish the group safe travels home.
As always we offer our thanks to Bicton for looking after us so well, and to our hosts and presenters who give their time and knowledge so freely.
Photos from the week can be seen here
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