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LIFE BEYOND THE MILITARY – OUTDOORS
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RXW31

November 08, 2019

We gathered in warm, autumnal Devon weather for our November Rural Week when we were joined by all 3 services including 2 ladies and we express our continued gratitude to ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, RAF Benevolent Fund, RMA The Royal Marines Charity and Greenwich Hospital for their generous support which enables us to keep Rural Weeks free at the point of delivery for all.

Pete Boorn RM joined us again as our Course Manager and we welcomed our very good friend Lee Kimber RM back as an evening speaker and for the first time, Ian Parmenter gave us a fascinating insight into the world of the artist blacksmith Parmenter Forge via the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths – truly HighGround in action and thank-you both so much for sharing your contacts and experience so freely.

Chris Shepherd’s excellent programme included a visit on Monday to Clinton Devon Estates, to meet John Wilding and learn about Forestry; different angles to Forestry and Ranger roles during visits to Forestry England and the RSPB, at Aylesbeare Common.

Terry gave his usual excellent Greenkeeping presentation at Exminster Golf Centre and visits to Nick at The
Outdoors Group, to learn about the many opportunities in Forest School, Tom Garner at Clinton Devon Estates to learn about Gamekeeping and Matt and Kirsty at Hi-Line added more food for thought.

To this Chris added Estate Management from Ian Bowler Oakfield the Racing and Breeding industry from Zoe
Elliott from Careers in Racing and another barnstorming self-employment presentation from Phil Sampson
Sampson Hall.

It was terrific to welcome Zizi from our referral partners Supporting Wounded Veterans – Rural Weeks are so
difficult to describe but so easy to see why they work once you get there..!

We thank everyone at Bicton for looking after us so well and the last word goes to:

Clare still serving in the Army whose response to our question; What did you learn from the Rural Week? was; “That I would like to change my career in work in the land-based sector.”

Nick ex Coldstream Guards who said “This programme is unique. There is nothing else that I am aware of which allows participants to ‘dip their toe’ into the vast lake of opportunities which awaits them in the land-based sector”.

And our still serving Squadron Leader who commented:
“It is an excellent concept which covers a road range of areas and provides food for thought. The potential for follow-up support going forwards and networking opportunities is also extremely useful”.