The trip to see Brother-in-law Wayne at the army training camp at Royston only took just over 2 hours and that was including an 8 mile detour towards London because someone took a wrong turn  . It rained all the way there and for the first hour or so while we were actually at the camp. After being signed into the camp we had to make our way to the gym, massive building, enough room for 50 Double Decker buses, there we were given the details of what would be happening during the course of our visit. There had to be at least 200 visitors there so it was a bit chaotic at times, anyway, after leaving the gym we all had to join our own children's platoon leader. There were 4 different platoons, Aden, Balkens, Falklands and Korea, Wayne's Platoon was 'Korea'. Once all the parents were organised in their own platoon group's The platoon leader's would then take each group separate ways to show us around the camp and the various displays that had been arranged,  First on our agenda was the drill square where 'Falklands platoon' had to do a marching parade, the commanding officers thought it would be a good idea for audience participation and called 6 parents out to join in,  it was voluntary at first until only 2 parents got up to participate then the c/o decided to conscript another 4 to join, I was using my camcorder so I was excused...lol...

Next on the list was the Firing Range, this was an inside building where it is all done by computers, big computer screen at front and rifles wired into the system to give accurate readings, once they have passed the test on this system then they are allowed onto the open fire ranges. At the time Wayne hadn't passed this test but he text'd me the other day to inform me he had now passed his weapon handling test and is now qualified to 'handle' a gun, whether this means he can now go on the open ranges I'm not sure but whatever it means i do know he is well happy with it.

Next was the open air (still raining...lol...) camping and survival display showing us how they survive when out on manoeuvre's or in action, bivouacs erected,(which is just a waterproof canvas tied to the trees) and a showing of what is contained in their supply kits, the humour continued during this display with the corporel showing us two separate supply kits, the ordinary soldier had all the basic essentials, (foil bags containing basic food stuff), and the officers had sandwiches, chocolate, newspaper, fresh fruit, and a can of beer to round it off...lol...

Next on the list was a visit to our platoons living quarters and our first chance to give our loved ones a cuddle but that was after they had shown us all the different types of uniforms they have to wear, think there was about 6 in all and 2 different types of p e (physical education) clothes, Wayne had to display the NBC (nuclear/chemical/ballistic) uniform. After what seemed very little time with them we then had to make our way back to the gym for the indoor assualt team challange, this is where each platoon runs the indoor assault course together and the winning platoon is the one's that finish in the least time, Wayne was once again 'well happy' Korea won the event.

That was the final event  and we were now allowed to take our charges out of camp till 8pm, we had to hang around for about 45 minutes waiting for them to get changed but eventually the platoons were marched to the outside of the gym and were dismissed to join their familys.

The nearest McDonalds was the best idea but after driving around for goodness knows how many miles looking for one we gave up on that idea and finished up at a Tesco cafe. We had travelled a fair few miles away from camp so thought it best (as we didn't really know the area)to return closer to camp and find a pub. We had been warned before we left camp that no alcohol was to be consumed by the trainees as they were all under the age of 18 (legal drinking age in UK) so although Wayne does like a pint he settled for coke.  A few games of pool, a few drinks and the time just seemed to fly past and it was time to return Wayne to camp, must admit my eyes were quite watery when we had to leave him at the camp gates. He will be home for a long weekend in about 3 weeks so I have that to look forward to. Will leave you with a few pics to look at:::-