Simmo's Charity Endeavour (A Crew '87)(A Crew '87)
- By Steve Rowlands
- •
- 04 Sep, 2018
- •
Subsea to Summit...
Hi guys, just a quick reminder that I am helping take part in a great charity event this weekend and any support would be really appreciated. More details below;
A never before... and probably never again walk up Ben Nevis, the UK's highest mountain in Historical Diving Equipment weighing over 80 kg (176lbs). The 'walk' starts on the 1st September 2018 and will be done in a relay between several different people; taking an expected 4 to 5 days to complete. It will begin at minus 5 metres in Loch Linnhe and finish at 1345 metres, the summit of Ben Nevis. A total climb of 1350m or 4,430ft.
The idea came from Ginge Fullen, a former Leading Diver in the Royal Navy’s elite Clearance Diving Branch, who has combined a career in diving with his passion; climbing the highest mountains in more than 170 countries around the world. Ginge wanted to do an expedition so brutal that it will probably never be repeated again so, after meeting up with Ty Burton, from the Historical Diving Society (HDS), these two like-minded people came together to make this challenge happen.
The HDS has come on board supporting the project with both manpower and equipment. All funds raised will be distributed evenly between; The Historical Diving Society, The local Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team (LMRT) and the family of Saman Kunan, the former Thai Navy Diver who tragically died, while taking part in efforts to rescue 12 boys and their football coach trapped in a flooded cave in Thailand. He lost consciousness on his way out of the Tham Luang cave complex, where he had been delivering emergency air cylinders.
The HDS was formed in 1990 by a group of enthusiasts whose aim is to preserve and protect our diving heritage and to advance the education and interest of the public and other parties in their study of Diving History.
The LMRT depend on the public’s continuing donations and fundraising support as the costs involved in running a mountain rescue team are extremely high. For example, a 800m rope, which might only be safe to use once, costs around £1000.
Please support this physically and mentally demanding challenge by donating today.
What's Happening...
FRIDAY 7 July 2023
Golf (All Day Event) Game & Prizes £35.
China Fleet Country Club Saltash. Book via the Shop on the Association website Meet 0900 - Group Photo 1000 - 1st Group Tee Off at 1016
Evening Get Together after Golf and arriving in town for weekend
Keyham Vaults Pub (Opposite, near, Albert Gate)
222 Albert Rd. Devonport, Plymouth, PL2 1AW
SATURDAY 8 July 2023
AGMs Pompey 1200 & Guz 1400 The New Continental Hotel, Millbay Rd., PL1 3LD followed by Tot Time with Pasties social gathering
Evening Dinner 1930 Sit Down - The New Continental Hotel
Millbay Road, Plymouth, PL1 3LD
The cost for Evening Dinner (Saturday) is £36 per person
Booking and payment for the dinner is via the shop on the Association website.
Accommodation:
Best Western Lichfield City Centre - The George Hotel, Bird St, Lichfield WS13 6PR.
When booking a room at The George, mention Portsmouth Field Gun for a discounted price.
It is proposed that we book a semi informal dinner at The Trooper on Friday the 17th March 2023, the Bar/Restaurant is 3 miles from the Gorge Hotel (10 minute cab ride)
Those wishing to attend the dinner at the Trooper on Friday 17/03/2023 please confirm by text to Sparky Coombes on 07810883565
For those wishing to visit the national Arboretum it is situated Approx. 7 miles 16 minutes from the George Hotel.
The committee have planned to visit the Field gun bench at the Arboretum after breakfast returning to Lichfield in time for the Commencement of the Six nations festivities.
Six Nations Game at The Squash Club
The 18th of March is the climax of the Six nations which sees
Scotland Host Italy at 12.30.
France Host Wales at 14.45
And finally Ireland host England at 17.00
It is proposed to set off for Sutton Coldfield at 1200 where we have booked a room in a Squash club to watch all three games.
Closer to the time when we have an idea of numbers we will arrange the requisite number of mini buses to get everyone to and from the venue.
The reasonably priced bar will be open all day.
Sunday BBQ
Numbers dependant, Nick Dymond has offered to show off his BBQ skills to any of the association that aren’t completely ditted out or have been locked up for fighting with any 15's (one in particular) that took offence during previous dit spinning sessions.
AvN 13th May 2023.
OUR ALLOCATION OF MATCH TICKETS HAVE SOLD OUT - You can still purchase your own from RFU.
Wrist Bands to allow entry to the Command Field Gunners Bar can be ordered here (in the shop). Two per member.
We have included a non-member option. If you are not a member of the association, you must email us your years at PFGC to be considered: pfga@yahoo.com
PFGA members WILL come first.
WANTED! More ex- Portsmouth Field Gun Crew Member who have not yet ordered their ''Portsmouth Field Gun Crew Lifetime Medal''
PFGA Reunion Breakfast 0830 on Friday 15 Jul in Mardin Cafe, Copnor Road PO3 5EG
Friday 15 - Field Gun Dinner
Friday 15 - Partners Run Ashore
In order for us to stay ahead of the curve organisation wise, we would like you to get on and buy your ticket, so enabling us to confirm numbers etc with the venue. Tickets are £60 and purchased via the shop www.pfga.online/shop.
I can see from the list to date that some members are already forming 'Crew Year Tables' to celebrate their own mini reunions within the grand scheme. This is a great idea. For us to be able to make all of this possible we ask for early bookings and remove the risk of latecomers 'cocking' the whole thing up.
We have removed the stipulation that you have to be a member to attend the Dinner. Obviously if you are reading this email then you are an existing member, you may however know Field Gunners who for some 30 year old political reason have no desire to be a part of the association. If you do, we ask you to reach out and invite them to come along. We hope that they will see the amount of work that the committee put in on behalf of everyone and then join up. What challenged us in the past changed us forever. We all share the same bond and every year, sadly our numbers decrease.
It has been a long time since we all attended a Dinner such as this and sadly many have now crossed the bar. Don't miss this opportunity to reunite, spin some dits, remember those who have crossed and make one or two more memories.
There is no charge to enter this part of the dockyard. Gun numbers will be asked not to scare any kids and keep their grunts to a minimum whilst Swing and Slat numbers will have to undergo a security handbag check.
Rig: As you see fit, Blazer/Tie, Polo, Sports Rig with Sweat Bag, White Fronts/Track Boots/Gaters, Nicks and Flip Flops...
Drinks in the Ship ANSON on completion.
https://www.pfga.online/Portsmouth-Field-Gun-Newsletters