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Regional Activity Centre - Report
Author:
Cdt Thomas
On 11th-13th June 2010, 3 members of 2402(Burghfield) Squadron and others from 2403(Aldermaston) squadron went to the Regional Activity Center at RAC Boscombe Down.
We arrived at roughly 19:00hrs on the Friday and we were horrified by the state of the buildings we were supposed to be staying in. But actually once we were inside the newly refurbished surroundings they were very modern and pleasant. Once we settled into our rooms and unpacked, we got into the mini-bus and drove over to the Fire Station in the middle of the air field for a fire and safety brief. We were given a tour of the building and were lucky enough to stand on top of thier massive fire monsters (calling them fire engines would be inadequate) before given the routine fire brief. By the time we left it was 22:00hrs (which was way past my bedtime) and headed back to our rooms.
The next morning we woke bright and early (well I wouldn't say bright...but definitely early) to go the Museum of Army Flying. Although it is not particularly big, it is filled with interesting knowledge and models of aircraft. We completed a quiz and someone even did an extra gliding quiz earning their gliding wings! (A Sticker!) We ate our packed lunches - which were nicknamed horror boxes, I can't think why, before driving off to an old Roman fort where we could get a great view of an active airfield standing on the hill. We returned, had an early dinner, which was excellent, before engaging in a highly competetive game of rounders, which we won, no matter what the other team say! Two hours later we eventually came inside to have a go on the flight simulator. I had one turn and surprisingly didn't crash!
On our final morning we woke up to go to the MOD Police Dog Unit and the Fire Station to see demonstrations of the dogs' work and how fire monsters work. The dogs were terrifyingly beautiful and ferocious, and I certainly wouldn't like to be chased by one of them. They are lightning fast and aim for the arm to bring you down before chewing you up. We left and went to the fire monsters to play with the massive water guns on top, spraying a well worn car with jets of water and foam.
Once back in our rooms we cleared up and made the place spick and span. We left extremely tired and we mostly slept on the way back.
The trip overall was great and I made loads of new friends. I would jump at the chance to go again, and if this was just a weekend, I can't wait for the summer camps!
Author: Cdt Thomas