Email: info@bramwell-int.com
We are the UK and Ireland Distributors for Meindl, Source & Gregory
Winner of this months 'Generations Campaign' Tells their story!
July 2011 Winner - Alun Williams
Outward Bound Centre:
Eskdale, The Lake District
1975
The beam at Eskdale looked like a polished tree trunk about six feet from the ground that was set horizontally between two trees. The task was simple; twelve members of the patrol had to get over the beam in the shortest possible time. We would compete against other patrols to see which one of us could do this the quickest. I have no idea who suggested that this was to be “our event,” but getting twelve people over a tree trunk as quickly as we could became important even to the point of obsession. We’d have discussions about it in the dormitory after lights out and sneak out to test our theories after lunch. Once we’d established our method, we assigned roles then it was practice, practice, practice. Remarkably, we all did it willingly; no-one was ever too busy or too tired.
Come the day of the competition, I can remember feeling nervous. We’d spent hours preparing ourselves for an activity that we planned would take less than thirty seconds. We watched other patrols complete the task with varying degrees of success, but now it was our turn. We ran toward the beam and two of the strongest lads gave a leg up to two of the fittest lads to get them straddling the trunk . Next over were our heavier members who were both pulled by the fit lads and pushed by the rest of us. The rest of us went over with the two lightest members going last and the two lads sitting on the beam having to roll off, trusting that we hadn’t forgotten to catch them. It went like clockwork.
The applause from other patrols was as spontaneous as it was generous. We couldn’t have performed better. I can remember shaking hands and patting a few people on the back, but no real celebrations, I think my overwhelming emotion was that of relief. I do remember clearly however the look of shock on our Instructor’s face, he had no idea that we had focused so much on this. The time was announced and we had got twelve people over the beam quicker than any other patrol in the history of Eskdale Outward Bound. Bad news was to follow however, we were fined five seconds for a minor transgression of the rules and our place in the record books was denied.
In some ways, I still find it remarkable that an ordinary group of people for some reason decided without coercion or persuasion and with no tangible reward, to invest so much time in doing something so utterly unimportant. But I’m so glad it happened. All of us needed to get over that beam, not just the fit and agile. To those less fit in our patrol, practicing this task must have been a trial, but they did it without complaint and worked as hard as anyone. The stronger ones knew that success would probably depend more on the performance of the weaker members than themselves, and my overwhelming memory is that stronger members were encouraging, helping and supporting, not blaming, criticising and moaning. I’ve sometimes thought that there are some senior managers who would learn a thing or two from a group of 18 year olds trying to get over a tree trunk.
June 2011 Winner - John Tasker
Outward Bound Centre
Aberdovey, Wales
1955
My story goes back before I went to Outward Bound but it is very relevant.
At the age of three I was evacuated from central London when the Blitz started. My sister and I were located in a private hostel with around 15 other children. Although not ill treated we were far from well treated. We were given minimal, poor quality food that we had to eat or go without; we certainly were not given enough for growing children. Returning to London after the war I was immediately sent on convalescence as I was dangerously emaciated. The situation was better on my return but food was rationed and rationing continued into my teens. The result was that when I started work as an apprentice engineer I was very much under weight, short and under developed. The company was in the process of moving out of London to Crawley New Town and a year later I moved there. We London apprentices then met the locally recruited boys and were overawed by them. War had not touched them and neither had rationing for they were generally great, strapping lads who towered over us. I certainly felt intimidated in my emaciated state.
Soon after I moved there the company decided to send their apprentices on Outward Bound courses. I was chosen to go to the Aberdovey Sea School with another apprentice. It was just my luck to go with one of the biggest of the country lads. I found that most of the instructors there were ex paras, commandos or marines. I very much looked up to them; they were our war heroes. Not long into the course we had to go for a long run. As the run developed I found that I was not far behind my fellow, strapping apprentice and I seemed to stay there. One of the instructors came up alongside me and asked how I was doing.
He then said 'Why are you not going past that guy in front'?
I replied 'I can't go any faster'.
He was thoughtful for a moment and then said 'Does he work with you'?
'Yes' said I.
He then said 'Do not be intimidated just because he is bigger than you. You are a far better athlete than him. Now get going and get past him'.
I felt a surge of pride and elation from those words. I sped up and caught the lad. He saw me come alongside him and tried to run faster, but the words of my instructor hero echoed in my mind. I increased speed and left him far behind.
Those words of encouragement changed my life. I trained hard and with improved food I put on weight and height. No one intimidated me after that. When I was called up for National Service I wanted to be like my Outward Bound instructors. I became a para and whilst serving ran cross country for the army. After National Service I missed the life and became a member of the Territorial Army's elite Special Forces.
I have run many races since that day in with the Outward Bound, including 20 marathon; half under 3 hours. I still run mountain marathons in my middle seventies.
None of this would have been possible it it had not been for the Outward Bound Sea School at Aberdovey and those few timely words of encouragement.
May 2011 Winner - Sue Prince (nee Kidd)
Outward Bound Centre:
Rhowniar, Wales
1967
Sue Prince (nee Kidd) – Front row 2nd from left
I attended Rhowniar for a month in
May-June 1967 after being selected by my local authority by interview. I still
have my diary from then as it brings back fond memories of the time spent
there. In particular I remember doing our final 3 day expedition and the
weather being exceptionally hot so we slept out under the stars; also scree
running on Cader Idris. Looking back I find it hard to believe that we crammed
so much in!
The course boosted my self confidence as I had been frightened of heights, I
overcame this fear which made me realise that most things are possible if you
put your mind to it. Being away from home, relying on your own initiative and
living with others stood me in good stead when I later went to college.
Outward Bound nurtured in me a love for the outdoors in particular walking a
passion which I still have to this day.
The photo, above, shows our dormitory Tryfan with our instructor Miss Standring.
For more information on how to enter the Generations 'Tell us your Story' competition celebrating 70 years of Outward Bound Click Here