How about a UKCF weekender?

[ChrisMClark]

I've been a member on a few motoring and photography forums, and a common idea between them all is the idea of a 'Weekender' where members meet up, talk 'shop' share experiences, and mostly....get pissed and indulge various 'vices'...

I know herf meets are common...but how about the mother of all herf meets? A couple of nights in a hotel, some smoking, some discussion, a day outing, maybe even a talk from someone in the know? A UKCF convention if you will? I know Dorset is a way to travel, but I could put the feelers out for hotel deals here, and there's plenty of lovely walks to be had with a stogie down here, plus group deals at the Tank Museum where I am in Bovington...I know a fair few of you would be interested in that! It's just a thought, but hopefully it's something we could get off the ground at some point?

[eggopp]

July 17th, a saturday, as per my previous post on it, im going to host a BBQ at my house, doubt many will come but so far i think maybe 10 have showed interest, it will be a case of, eat, drink, herf... sleep where you can find a space, so pretty much over nighter.. im in the midlands so its central, and cheaper than hotels. Problem is i have a small house small garden, but ive had 30 here comfortably same principle when i was an online gamer (BHD) and my online team used to meet up every year here. Its a case of bring something to put on BBQ and drink, and def bring lots of smokes... i would suggest rather than cook for all, keep BBQ running all night and just put food on as and when you want it. I will do an update closer the time for numbers.

[eggopp]

As an after thought chris.. i cn put up with a cavalry man,, so long as your not like them idiots i served with in 14/20th Kings knobbers lmao.. just joking with ya mate.

[ChrisMClark]

Well as 14/20 don't exist anymore (now part of the KRH, the King's Royal Hussars), I can't possibly comment...although representing 5 different cav regts I've met my fair share of dick heads...wish I was closer to Licolnshire though...however July I've got the total of 4 days off the whole month...crazy time of year for the bands. Summer seasons are the worst part of this job! Got 3 weeks of in August for Summer leave so sould be nice to set something big(ish) up for then! You play golf Eggy? (And what is your name? )

[eggopp]

No i dont play Golf, i tried it once for a whole year, just couldnt get the ball to stop skimming the ground, so gave my clubs away and never went back. Names Steve, Eggopp was my callsign when i was with the infantry on ops/theatre. Eggopp coz i was a chef. So dont mock coz all we have to do is slip a little bicarb in your gravy at meal times and you will poop all night!! Yes i recall silly season, chefs and bands, when everyone else is lounging were working on functions, balls and the like. Congrats on your promotion to by the way, what will you be putting up?? lets see 25 years of age, ish, so maybe full screw?

[ChrisMClark]

Full screw! I wish! No, sadly it's only the first rung, lance corporal. I'll have been in just shy of 8 years by the time I wear it. Was picked up on the board last October and have to wait til this December to wear it...I was 24 when I picked up and will be 26 but the time I'm wearing it...so it goes in CAMus. It was soul destroying to do my CLM (command, leadership and managment) course last month being taken by an Inf CSgt who was 29...only plus side is if I do my Bandmaster's course (3 year cse!) I could go as a LCpl and come out as a WO1!

[eggopp]

It took me 4 years to get Lance Jack, anther 4 to get full screw, then 2 to get Sgt. was a Sgt twice (im to gobby) left as full screw. Leaving was the best decision i made.1st time i put up my third, i was marched into the CO got awarded, told not to put it up yet, marched out.. marched in and got busted.. lmao, stupid army exercise that was, but i did get a days pay at SGT rank.

Anyway, we hijacked the thread about a big due lol.. best you start a fresh one

[jibjob79]

Bovington Tank museum sounds good and isn't there a monkey world nearby, can't beat a teasing a few chimps and then visiting monkey world Ba Dum Ching......

Before we get too carried away playing soldier lets remember who the senior service is, there are two types of vessels, submarines and targets, nothing else matters lol

[ChrisMClark]

..lets remember who the senior service is, there are two types of vessels, submarines...

Hey, if you like spending months alone with other men in a long tube, that's your bag...




In fairness, a good friend of mine was a submariner, now a helo tech, and in Afghan with the booties, so fair play, you're not all a bunch of mincing matelots

Seems we have quite a membership of serving or ex military; I believe Simon is an ex warefare officer too, is he not?

[ChrisMClark]

Thinking about it, a little more south central too, the Navy Sub museum is in Gosport, and have always wanted to have a wander round there, plus easy ferry link to Pompy...could be a goer too?

Spent a (not so) lovely couple of nights in Gosport...one night in Blockhouse and one in Haslar on the Ortho ward...patellla decompressions suck ass mate...wish I'd had the chance to go round the sub museum, was closed when I was there

[jibjob79]

Good god i didn't realise we had war fairies wandering round in here, hopefully they won't cause too much damage lol.

The submarine museum is very interesting, they have an old A boat that you can go round. Even though is was decommissioned late 1970s it is just as tight as modern submarines. You might be able to get your very own hatch rash if you ask nicely. The seafront on the Gosport side along stokes bay is nice in summer and as you say a quick ferry ride over to Portsmouth and you are in Gunwharf for some nice restaurants with sea views, outside seating and I think smoke friendly. Might be able to wangle some Naval base tours or at the very least bore you with naval knowledge lol.

[daverave999]

Well I reckon I could make it down that neck of the woods. Are all vices tolerated?

[ChrisMClark]

Did Gunwharf, abused Costa's smoker friendly outside area, and looked longingly at the very closed sub museum...subs fascinate me. I had the choice when I went through the careers office: Sandhurst, Royal Anglian, Navy, Marines, or Corps of Army Music...nearly 8 years on and I still think I made the wrong choice The Marines wanted me as an officer dammit!

Dave: As long as your vices included drinking, herfing and small asian women you're more than welcome...we can't tolerate drugs though....but then who can? That's about the only vice I judge on

EDIT: Carp fishing is fine too...as long as you don't mind boilies....

[jibjob79]

Submarines loose their appeal very quickly lol. 3 months at a time breathing in 120 other guys bodily gases, washing once a week with a 10 second shower, working 18 hour days with a maximum of 5 hours sleep at any one time, high 30 degree Celsius temperature constantly, diesel contaminate drinking water, being irradiated from the little piece of sunshine on board etc......... nice place to visit, even better to leave lol.

But then again it's not just a job, its an adventure lol.

Plus no smoking onboard!!!!

[ChrisMClark]

Plus no smoking onboard!!!!

Screw that...in the Army, dig a hole deep enough you can smoke all night