RAOC Gazette - page 121
Image details
| Corps | RAOC |
|---|---|
| Material type | Journals |
| Book page | |
| Chapter head | |
| Chapter key | |
| Chapter number | |
| Full title | RAOC Gazette |
| Page number | |
| Publication date | 1978 |
| Real page | |
| Colour | No |
| Grey | No |
| Early date | 1978 |
| Late date | 1978 |
| Transcription |
& family Hopianap in ikotlanb in the ES©C Mi &ut gjp Captain C. &. fliluvrajp FLATISH TYRES, low speeds, fugged up windows and a four- legged problem squashed into a smaller area than usual, behind the front seat, were all signs that we had an over-loaded car. After all, we were off to our first Hogmanay in Scotland, five whole days of reasonable luxury in the RAOC Ski Hut at a reasonable price. This really was going to be a ' busmans holiday * for me. Whilst the family were able to make the most of the occasion and enjoy the surrounding area, 1 had to receive—and dis- tribute around the building, accommodation stores for forty five people which were dua to arrive the following day. Just as we entered a snow-bound area south of Glasgow (M6 side) the pressure cooker fell off the pile behind, bounced off the gas stove and landed on the sleeping four-legged problem named Liza, You can imagine—pandemonium set in as the dog leapt past our shoulders, landed on the gear stick with a further yelp, and finally settled on my wife's lap! Thank good- ness we only had one hundred and eighty miles left to go, As we neared our destination, the snow fast disappeared but to encourage us, a few peaks of the Cairngorm mountains were capped with white. Nevermind, I was determined to be positive and maintain a hopeful outlook. The kids were due to arrive on the train the following morning and they were looking forward to a few days of ski-ing. 1 began to pray for snow. We drew up outside the Ski Hut in Nethybridge right on time, the day was darkening and the house looked cold and dank in the gathering gloom of an early Scottish night. The door was locked, the key holder away and the arrangements for a box of groceries to be left at the door had failed. I made certain that I was smiling broadly as I turned to look at Sally and then, past her shoulders, I perceived an acquaintance from last year walking up the road—he immediately insisted on renewing our association by asking us to his house for a 'wee dram* to keep out the cold. Talk about being saved by the bell Soon we were in better spirits, the key had appeared and the Aga in the Ski Hut was going full blast. Supper was being cooked and the car almost unloaded—we could look for- ward to a warm and cosy evening. Then, I began to fully ex- plore the building. It is, in fact, the staff quarters of the local hotel which is closed in the winter season. The Manager, Mr Colin Sutton, kindly agreed to rent the building to us to house the Ski School. It has two floors and an extensive range of cellars. There is a labyrinth of rooms, both upstairs and downstairs, plus four bathrooms. This an unexpected luxury after the minute build- ing we had the previous season. Next door is the local Arts and Crafts Centre, Butcher and the Post Office cum Grocer. The near-by bridge over the River Nethy, the surrounding woods and snow capped Cairngorm Mountains in the distance, all add to the attractiveness of the place. As we fell to sleep that night, after a final dram in the Pub opposite, \ realised that I was looking forward to the next few days. Legs Dymond arrived unexpectedly—he is one of our two most talented ski instructors and part of the Permanent Staff of the School. The mattresses, pillows, blankets, cooking equip- ment and field kitchen, all came through the door with him, but alas—no beds! Somehow they had been left behind. Still no snow, nevertheless, we were all kept busy cleaning, clearing and distributing all the essentials to various rooms in the house. Meals had to be cooked and washing up done, but with many hands, it was light work. By this time, Colonel Ford (RAEME) from Donnington and his family (plus Australian wine) had arrived to share the ski hut and enjoy Hogmanay in Scotland before returning to Australia. Due to the small kitchen area (to be improved by the addition of a field kitchen), the two wives took turns to prepare meals and ensure that the ' troops * were fed. In fact, hot food was plentiful and very appetising. Tt seemed no time at all before the rooms were ready—finally, after the arrival of those missing beds. Ski equipment for the courses also arrived together with compo and an HGV driver by kind permission of 16 Battalion. Even the dog is happy, With the work force swelling in numbers by the day, we soon finished the work in hand. Legs Dymond began to practice his teaching techniques on the children, who were able to ski on the local golf course which, for a short period of time, was covered by thin snow, whilst the rest of us visited old friends and toured the area. Visits were made to the ' Whisky Castle' at Tomintoul, Balmoral, the Aviemore Leisure centre, and the indoor swimming pool but alas there was not enough snow to ski. Before we realised it, the last day of the old year had arrived and that evening the two families combined forces to attend a family Hogmanay party in the Aviemore Centre. The table was booked, pipers, haggis and a dance band were promised. However, before we set out, we had a New Years* (Continued on page 353) Supper Time, — 339 |
| Book number | R0246a |