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FAAA RETURNS TO THE 82nd TRAINING AREAS


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RUFFORD ABBEY

Nottingham

 

Several members of the FAAA attended the Event Plan Rufford Abbey event over the weekend. Main aim was to recce the location for a 2011 event and meet up with the Event Plan organisers with a view to discuss future contracts with the organisation.

 

The venue was superb but it is a difficult and long journey to the venue site of Rufford Abbey, especially for those living south and west of the location and may not be viable for a major September event next year, however as an additional small display event it may have some positives.

 

Regardless those that attended and supported our Jonno and Lucie's "Lost Patrol" activity had a great Friday and Saturday in Northamptonshire.

 

The aim of the display was achieved when we set up and ran an Armaments Workshop from the Armaments Platoon, 782nd Airborne Ordnance Company of the 82nd Airborne Division. Consisting of a Command post element workshop and sub unit field kitchen the display and scenario came together very well and attracted many public and positive comments from the organisers and other groups participating.

 

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The display provided a good base to show and tell without the usual kit laid out on the ground scenario, but instead allowed all manner of weapons and instruments to be displayed in a working “living history” environment.

 

Arriving Friday evening I met up with Jonno and Lucie at their home to be guided the short distance to Rufford Abbey, On arrival I was impressed with the venue, a grand old building on the edge of Sherwood Forest. Already many groups were set up and the show site was taking shape

 

We were mostly set up before last light, Tim and Gavin was to join us first thing Saturday morning, however out of the blue Gavin pitched up Friday evening with Capt Ronnie and Daisy Dog, lovely surprise, but soon they were put to work finishing the unloading and setting up the workshop before we all retired to the blazing fire for some chow (Steak and Beans) and a few drinks, great end to a very busy day.

 

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Jonno's des res up and ready to go

 

Saturday Morning it was an early start for some and at 0800hrs smack on Sgt Lees arrived ready for Breakfast.

 

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It took some a little longer to get out of bed

 

The small detachment was now complete and after a hearty breakfast we carried out the final checks of the display before the public arrived, and boy did they arrive, by the coach load, one of the busiest events this year.

 

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Sniper rifle turns up in the workshop

 

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Platoon Sgt checks weapon servicing documents

 

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Sgt Lees of the Platoons weapons section inspects one of the rifle Companies M1 rifles

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We as much as possible ran our display in first person and carried out several weapons services and inspections throughout the day.

 

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B Co 508th turn in their weapons to the 782nd Workshop for post Normandy inspections and refits

 

When not inspecting others weapons we were busy servicing our own collection of Small Arms or just chatting.

 

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Throughout the site there were many really good groups putting on fine displays, some were to a very high standard and some net working was undertaken to see if they were interested in our Living History events at COAM next year, it seems some were and hopefully they will part of the cast next year. One outstanding group and display are pictured below.

 

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As well as our workshop display, co-located was Jonno and Lucie’s” Lost Patrol” public attraction. This was outstanding and brought many members of the public into our locations. This was a real hands on experience for the kids and for more than a few grown ups too.

 

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All in all an outstanding family event with some top quality groups taking part. Those of us who attended had a good time and would consider doing this one again in addition to any main September event planned for for 2011.

 

A thanks to Jonno for getting us involved.

 

Lee Bowden

Group Coordinator

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