| Archive for The Royal Marines Band Service On-line Community Bringing the serving and ex serving communities together |
| Fizzie |
Black or navy blue soap dishI'm a bit stuck! Went shopping today for all my kit for when I start in September and I found everything but a black or navy blue soap dish. I've looked in every shop in the area and no luck. They have nice lilac ones but I don't think that'd go down to well...I was wondering if anyone had any ideas of where I could find one? Thanks for your help! |
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| lesbryan |
Would not a neutral white one do ????? or does it have to be black or blue ??  
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| lesbryan |
Here we are is this any good to you not black or blue but shiny metal
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1945-STAMPE...PageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Ex british army
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| sticky blue |
How about purchasing a nice dark blue soap dish - paint on the corps colours then seal with varnish - you would then have your very own bespoke soap container
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| MrJpig |
and don't forget your...wash bag | ||||||
| admin |
Dark colours will show any soap residue on the inside so the instructors can see if it hasn't been washed. Try one of the pound shops or a supermarket. | ||||||
| ZedHorn |
what happens if you're allergic to soap and you join up???? | ||||||
| admin |
You smell and don't have many friends! |
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| MJ |
HAHA I'm having the same problem, Fizzie!
I've bought a blue one (not navy blue) just incase I don't find a black one in time! My careers advisor told me that it didn't really matter if so long as it's a plain colour and not bright pink or something else equally ridiculous! I never thought finding a navy/black soapdish would be so hard - I had a friend text me early this morning asking where I got mine from. The thing is, I was about to ask him the same thing hahaha! Not long to go now Fizzie! All the best |
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| ZedHorn |
no, I meant, do you have to take a soap dish, even if you don't use soap - you use shower gel, girlie posh facial wash exfoliant nutra-added beads and stuff!! |
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| Fizzie |
Well I'm glad I'm not the only one having this trouble!!!
I think I may have to do the same as you and just buy a plain blue one. I'm right in saying it's got to be plastic though? And do they want us to get one with a lid so the soap doesn't fall out or one without. I also never thought that something as simple as a soap dish would cause such a dilema... 
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| Fizzie |
I think the answer is yes you do because it's for inspection. I use shower gel but will still take soap. Just in case. I don't want to get shouted at for not following instructions before I've even started! But I agree that if you didn't use soap at all you would indeed smell and probably wouldn't have many friends! |
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| Fizzie |
If only I'd known there was a corps wash bag. Gutted now because I've already bought one 
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| Jimbo |
I should buy one with a lid, 'cos when you are 'doubling around the parade' with you locker above your head, for committing some minor misdemeanor, the last thing you'll want is your damp soap falling out and making your shirts dirty. A dirty shirt on an 'apre double around the parade' kit muster will not be looked upon well by your instructor, making him extremely annoyed, which is the last thing you'll want on your 'apre double around the parade, apre kit muster' double around the parade with your locker above your head again!!!   
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| bootybandy |
You can always transfer to the Army where you will be welcomed with open arms (and very smelly underarms) |
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| ZedHorn |
given the way this dit has gone i guess that having a 'thick skin' starts at entry level!!! perfect for retiring onto the forum in later life!!!!!!!! | ||||||
| MJ |
I'm gonna get me one of those wash bags LOL | ||||||
| bootybandy |
Then make sure you get it from Delis store. Cheap at twice the price.....In fact make sure all your troop/squad etc get them. Last one without is a girlies blouse...
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| admin |
A bit expensive but you could get one of these: http://www.springfields.co.uk/pro...=2ccebfbe713060f59ca54aabbb0a07c5
Failing that, get any colour you want and cover it in Black Masking Tape! |
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| MrJpig |
Do pusser still do Foo Foo powder for ya feet?? | ||||||
| General Melchett |
Yes they do..... | ||||||
| townsergeant |
Back to the | ||||||
| townsergeant |
3 word story! | ||||||
| MrJpig |
WAH WAH WAAAAAAAAAAH  
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| townsergeant |
A story about 'Foo Foo'
My old mate Taff Higgins used to use 'Foo Foo' as an alternative to shampoo, when he was in a hurry and mainly in the days when he had some hair! Sometimes the 'Foo Foo' was Fuller's Earth! 
Readers will be happy to know that I still have my hair cut by Clem (Brian Clements) and I'm delighted to report that he still puts 'Foo Foo' on my neck (Well, at least I think that's what it is!) and I'm also pleased to report that there is plenty of hair there for him to cut...(Botty take note)
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| Jimbo |
is he still a 'one cut wonder'?
and does he still have that cut throat razor and leather strap? (ooer missus) |
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| General Melchett |
Clampet Clem the demon barber of Deal, crikey! Give him my regards Bill - Life's not the same without Clem's neck shave and a bit of Foo-foo. | ||||||
| townsergeant |
He's been cutting my hair for 22 years......
......You'd have thought he would have finished it by now!
No cut throat razor or leather strap anymore due to 'cutbacks'
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| MusnShelton |
Hey guys here's a huge tip....
DONT WORRY ABOUT THE BLUE AND BLACK SOAP DISH! A few of my troop were worried they couldn't find them and when asked, the training team just laughed at them, I think their response was to look at the list of kit "required" and laugh at a good 40% of it, there's an absolute ton of stuff on there that you do not need! To try and help you, this is what I can remember from my experience (only a year ago!) that you definately don't need! Starch, your DI will tell you to bin it, instantly. The entire sewing wasn't needed, any sewing of badges and shoulder flashed was done by the seamstresses, if we tore any kit we had to get it changed by stores. Blue soap dish! You get issued one anyway! The tracksuit will be worn maybe once, mine was! Silvo! Get brasso instead, you wont have anything silver to polish! Things you definitely should invest in are a very good iron! Cant stress that enough! Also a good permanent marker for labelling your kit. Don't worry too much about zip-seal bags, you can get large freezer bags from Pompey Tesco before you need them on Exercise first step I think the most important thing to bring is a sense of humor! You can't be depressed while clearing up your trashed room at 2am for the 5th time! Any other questions just give me a quick message, I'll be happy to help! |
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| General Melchett |
Two things to pick up from the last post:
1. Get Silvo not Brasso, just do it, it's better - 300 Bandies can't be wrong! 2. Get yourself down to a camping shop and get the plastic see through bags that you can squeeze the air out of to for a little vacuum pack - Hoofing piece of kit. Tesco's sandwich bags are kack and will last 2 minutes. 3. Spray starch always makes your shirt look good - I'm still using it 20 years later! 4. Good notebooks (small, waterproof) and pencils for the field. No need to get too much, the kit is good and the team will look after you! Keep smiling - NEVER forget that! |
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| MJ |
Thanks MusnShelton and General Melchett that's really helpful!!!
My nerves are really starting to get me now - hahhaha |
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| admin |
I agree 100%
A good STEAM iron helps a lot, they are expensive but you will get plenty of use out of it... trust me! Waterproof note paper is a must, they sell it in the NAAFI shop in Nelson. Pens and pencils are handy as is an alarm clock. You will have time to get anything you need (i.e. essential) but might not have time to get the things you want or would like. Bring any luxury items with you to make life easier and you will have the chance to get anything else during weekend leave. Make sure you set up a bank account as well... it saves time and hassle later. |
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| MrJpig |
An alarm clock...I thought it was just the duty Bulger that needed one of those!! 
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| joe90 |
I thought the duty bulger WAS the alarm clock!! | ||||||
| MrJpig |
IS IT ME??
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| lesbryan |
Why does the soap have to be black or blue????.We had a dish which clipped on the inside of your locker it held the soap toothbrush & paste razor add shaving soap.A great little dish.||.Dish in one hand towel round neck knicks and dhoby dust in the other.AHhaaa great times ||  
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| MJ |
Nice one fellas - really helpful stuff here!
So these luxury items- what might they be? For me, food is a luxury but we're not allowed to bring any into the accomodation so I need some ideas please :) |
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| MJ |
Another Q
It might sound silly but should I take a suitcase or a large bag or doesn't it even matter |
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| General Melchett |
Had an extra think MJ....
Other pieces of kit that may come in very handy, but are not essential I personally would! 20m of para-cord, on a winding spool if you can get one (It'll become clear!) 3 or 4 green Bungees - very good for attaching kit in the field. 8 pegs A stainless steel unbreakable flask is really useful for those cold, wet days in the field |
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| MusnShelton |
The no food rule just a general rule of Britannia block. I think it's because the lower floors are temp accommodation for every Tom Dick and Harry who will just leave mess everywhere!
As for the immaculately clean Bandies who live on the top floor, this isn't an issue and so the training team let you take food up (on the sly of course!) My room regularly ordered pizza and other takeaways! It doesn't matter about whether you take a suitcase or bag, they will all end up in the baggage room, you ideally want something bright so that you can find it when you need it among the masses of bags and cases! One top tip! Don't leave dirty washing or anything you want hidden, in this room. The training team WILL drop a surprise baggage inspection on you! |
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| townsergeant |
Can you buy the refills for the flasks in the NAAFI?
.........and don't forget your Foo Foo Fighters Powder.... 
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| MJ |
Excellent, chaps!
Very much appreciated! Keep 'em coming |
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| Jimbo |
I echo everything that Melchy said, although I have serious doubts that he actually uses his starch!!!????!!! (only joking mate)
Silvo is the best, you will need a soft bristled shoe brush in order to remove the dry Silvo from your brasses, it will get all the kak out of the nooks and crannies. Thats all you'll need to clean your brasses (apart from 2 dusters, ON & OFF), don't trust Cillit Bang the lustre will not last, remember the words of Melchy "300 bandies can't be wrong" and remember, those 300 odd ALL have a lot more experience than your compatriates in training!!! With regard to your question about vitamins etc, you won't need them because they give you lime juice that will fight off the scurvy, just look out for the grubs in the biscuits! A good iron is a must (as admin has previously said). Keep a sense of humour and never let them grind you down, remember that thousands of people have been through the same (more or less) training and most have made it without too many mental scars. Listen to what your instructors tell you, they DO know best (you probably won't beleive that at times, but take it from me, it is true) Dont forget you'll need a rifle as well, but you'll have to put that in the armoury when you get there, make sure you put your name on it before you get to Nelson though. I would suggest an SA80 as thats what most other people use and you can buy spare parts for them pretty easily in the NAAFI. Dont worry about ammunition, the training team will sell you as much as you'll need, and at a pretty good price too! Anyway, good luck
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| MJ |
Thanks for that, Jimbo!
Should I get my SA80 from Asda or Boots? |
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| Jimbo |
Dont be ridiculous!!! you need to go to an army surplus shop or a weapon retailers! Boots for deodorant, Asda for ... er ... whatever women buy there |
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| MJ |
haha of course | ||||||
| bootybandy |
You might also consider some round waterproof plasters....
Joggers nipple is a bitch....... 
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| MrJpig |
Try hiding this in your top drawer
http://www.cafegadgets.com/Product-Acer-Aspire-SA80.htm |
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| bootybandy |
If it's style your after, and as a Musician you should be after it, then try this... http://www.cafegadgets.com/Product-iMac---24---Display.htm |
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| MrJpig |
But thats not an SA80
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| Fizzie |
Me too!!!! It's only a week and 2 days to go aswell!!! I wonder how many people will be in our troop. I feel very professional using the word 'troop' you know. |
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| MJ |
So do I have to shave my head in the marines? | ||||||
| ZedHorn |
try e-bay for a bargain!!! |
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| General Melchett |
Not marines! Royal Marines
You can shave anything you want matey, myself I normally get the old hair trimmed every couple of weeks |
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| MusnShelton |
Don't worry about a haircut, you'll all get one as soon as you get there. A lovely Number 2 on top, 1 on back and sides, with a tapered neck.
Yes it does make you look like a bit of a nob for a few weeks but it's only hair! |
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| MJ |
Right you are
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| MJ |
None of this then? 
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| sticky blue |
I hope new entry's are marched to the NAFFI to purchase one !!
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| MJ |
Yes it's fast approaching! Does anybody have any idea how many people there will be in the troop? I'm guessing 15-20? |
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| General Melchett |
Probably nearer 30 | ||||||
| admin |
33 at last count unless any more have dropped out... | ||||||
| Jimbo |
It will make you look like a smart military person!!!! (ACTUALLY) NOT a 'nob' And you should feel proud to be given the free haircut, as it means you have joined, and are now one of the present custodians of, the finest military band service on the planet! Top tip, try and learn some Corps/Band Service history before you join up, all instructors thrive on the historical side of life (well most do!)
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| admin |
Corps Memorial Dates and you'll see plenty of other stuff on the left side to keep you going as well... |
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| ZedHorn |
You guys should charge for this sort of service.... if only I'd have had this sort of advice before I went to University...
altho' me thinks that more than 2 from the 33 shoudl be on here spinning dits and asking for tips.. you're all lovely!! |
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| General Melchett |
As Deli says:
10 Corps Memorable dates 10 Corps VCs Corps Birthday Use your nous to find it - and learn it! |
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| MJ |
once again everybody- THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH for all your help in this, and many other threads.
You really have been helpful and it's appreciated
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| MrJpig |
My first Royal Marine Haircut cost a pound...it should have been 50p but that lovely Sgt Heal made me have two. That was the day I learned what conspiracy meant!!
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| lesbryan |
My first haircut .I was fifteen the day i jioned .I had my haircut the day before at home .It was not good enough though .So the notorious SHOTLEY barber did his stuff on my head it was then every two weeks ||
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| MrJpig |
Crikey LES ...First haircut..15 Years?? I have done a bit of research and found a picture of your barbers wife who had your hair turned into a wig ....
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| MJ |
Yes I'm suprised that so few people have taken advantage of the help offered here.
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| General Melchett |
University Zed? 
To paraphrase Blackadder: "All I got was a degree from the University of Life, a diploma from the school of hard knocks and three gold stars from the kindergarten of getting the sh*t kicked out of me!" |
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| ZedHorn |
I must admit, most of what I learnt there I rarely use in my day to day practice now, what I learnt once qualified counts for sooooo much more.. However you don't get to be qualified unless you do your 5 year sentence...
I wouldn't have missed it for the world mind you.... GREAT fun! |
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| General Melchett |
I meant in a self-deprecating way Zed, they don't let retards like me into universities - they barely let me alone with a crayon! | ||||||
| Fizzie |
moi aussi. I would have thought that with only...1 week and 1 day to go (!!!!! ) there would be loads of people on here checking things out!
1 week and 1 day...jeeze! |
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| MrJpig |
Maybe the nozzers to be are not aware of the site. Is there anything giving reference to it in their 'Welcome to the Royal Marines Band Service' pack??
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| Fizzie |
yeah there is. At my audition we got advised to come on here for information on service history etc. | ||||||
| Fizzie |
have people dropped out before they've even started? |
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| Jimbo |
I doubt it , but it may not take too long to weedle out the chaff ... if ya know what I mean,
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| admin |
Yes... I think there were 3 offered places who then pulled out. There is usually at least one who doesn't turn up on the day, another couple will probably go by the end of the second or third week as well |
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| ZedHorn |
but my Dear Monsieur Melch, it's only cos they realise the masterpiece you'd create would put every other bugger to shame.. and hey, who needs University anyway, we can play the horn!!!!!!  
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| MJ |
Yay I can't wait..........................can I???
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| Jimbo |
if only you could bottle your pleasure and euphoria at this point in time, 'cos you may need it when you are pi$$ wet through, freezing cold, miserable, getting run ragged and still have a few days left in the field (knowing that your rifle, no matter how clean, will not pass the next inspection, so you gonna have to run somewhere again)!
muaahh haah haaah haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa ENJOY! |
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| General Melchett |
It pays to be a winner is a beautiful game!! | ||||||
| Jimbo |
Or for when you are standing by in your grot AGAIN, just knowing that the Drum Major is, without doubt, going to find some dust somewhere (cos Drum Majors keep a bag of dust in thier pockets and can ALWAYS produce it when required).
Meaning that you are going to be stood by all night, and ... oh no, you've got phys in the morning and you are gonna be knackered, meaning that you cant concentrate too well and the PTI is going to thrash you until your eyes bleed! muaah haaah haaah haaaaaaaa but dont worry, we've all been there, even the Drum major and the PTI (perhaps thats why they do it????) |
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| admin |
It should be in the London Olympics! |
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| Jimbo |
oh yes, I have played many a game of pays to be a winner, and never won!
but ... as they say ... it's character building stuff!! mmuuuaaaaaaa haaaaaah haaaaaah haaaaaaahhhhhhhh |
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| Jimbo |
I remember those immortal words
"I want you to get me a leaf from that tree over there" - "which tree corporal" - "here, borrow my binos" - "it pays to be a winner! - first 3 don't go again" OUCHHH |
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| MJ |
I like these stories - keep them coming please - they are very motivating and also help remind me that this is going to be tough......
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| MJ |
I have another question....
I want to take a camera incase there are any photo opportunities- is this OK? |
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| bootybandy |
You'll be too tired to operate the shutter..........
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| Jimbo |
You go for it!
flash photography in the field is axctually encouraged, especially when it is the dead of night. Or ... just before first light is always a good time totake photos, the light quality, when you use the flash, is superb. many of the Naval photographic competitions have been won by people who have done this very same thing. |
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| MrJpig |
I always found that getting an oppo, and once you start taking piccys there will be plenty, to use a torch pointed at the subject helps with focussing.
If you haven't that luxury, tape a mini maglite(other small torches are available) to the camera or use a headtorch. This might not apply so much these days with self focus cameras. Happy snapping
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| MJ |
Many thanks for the responses guys.
I want to keep a diary of my training and write it up on here when I get the time - some photos would add to the effect I think. |
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| MusnShelton |
I kept a complete diary from day one to day 70 something when I left, I was the only one in the troop to do so and I gotta admit it was hard work, I wrote in it every night before we went to sleep and it shows in the bad handwriting!! Here's an example!
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| Jimbo |
WHAAAAAAT!!!!!!!!!! Unheard of in my day, the PTI's used to ENJOY watching us trying not to scratch when we had PT after NBC! In fact they used to put swimming in straight after NBC training most of the time! |
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| MusnShelton |
I think the PT we had scheduled was actually meant to be swimming. Still, we definitely weren't arguing! |
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| Fizzie |
I'm taking a camera but it's not a posh one. it's an old fashioned one with a film and everything so then it wont matter too much if it gets damaged...me thinks...which is probably highly likely after some of things we've been hearing in this forum...
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| Eff |
I think the main argument against taking a camera into the field is that you really don't want to be carting around any unneccesary weight! However, I do see the attraction of getting some phot's,but you'll probably be too knackered to care about taking any pictures though. | ||||||
| MrJpig |
Nonsense!! You should have seen the size of the camera that took this....Heavier than the radio it was. mmmm that lovely hazy dawn light trapped on film for ever. 
Click to see full size image |
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| Jimbo |
This was taken on a small camera, that didnt weigh much at all, in fact I hardly noticed the extra weight in my bergen whilst yomping in to the harbour position, so I would say that the argument about weight of camera is purely academic.
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