RAOC Gazette - page 114
Image details
| Corps | RAOC |
|---|---|
| Material type | Journals |
| Book page | |
| Chapter head | |
| Chapter key | |
| Chapter number | |
| Full title | RAOC Gazette |
| Page number | |
| Publication date | 1983 |
| Real page | |
| Colour | Yes |
| Grey | No |
| Early date | 1983 |
| Late date | 1983 |
| Transcription |
a ITS ALL GO IN THE ALLGAU FROM LIEUTENANT COLONEL D. B. M. FORD MANY READERS will remember the Pension Sigisfried in Ofterschwang with affection. It has been used by the Corps as the Exercise Snow Queen hut for eleven years and has been quite adequate, if rather basic, in its facilities. The premises have deteriorated over the years, the owner having been reluctant to spend money on a building which is quite obviously crumbling. We are moving on to pastures new. The euphoria generated when two or three are gathered together apre ski has often evoked talk of a ' hut for all seasons.' Why does RAOC not have an all year round" facility in Bavaria, not just for ski-ing but for unit adventure training and family holidays too? The answers raised in these discussions have invariably been that we can't afford it, the administrative effort would be too great and, anyway, what support would such a venture get from units and individuals. As a result, that's about as far as it's gone in the past, but a paper circulated a few months ago fanned a flame and, spurred by the requirement to find new accommodation anyway, a contract has been negotiated for a full year commencing 1st December 1983. This completely new and exciting Corps project is now being con- sidered in detail by the RAOC Managing Trustees. The RAOC Alpine Hotel will be based at Pension Jager- winkel at Unterthalhen in Allgaii near Fischen. The tiny village, only nine kilometres from the Austrian border, nestling in a picturesque valley at the foot of the Nebelhorn with the tower- ing five thousand foot Allgau/Lechtaler Alps providing a majestic backdrop. Scenic mountain walks pass the door and these, as well as mountaineering and rock climbing, vary in severity from stroll to slog. Other activities nearby include canoeing, sailing, tennis, squash, swimming and fishing; preferen- tial rates are being negotiated for some of these additional facilities. Pension Jagerwinkel has adequate accommodation, lavatory, shower and kitchen facilities for thirty students plus permanent staff during the ski-ing season and, in the summer, rooms will be converted to family and unit accommodation. There is a four berth caravan on site and a grassed area providing space for tentage—if required. Many Corps members have caravans and up to three tourers could be accepted at any one time on hard standing adjacent to the hotel. In estate agents parlance, a feature of the property is that it is bordered by a tinkling mountain stream, alongside which is a grill pavilion, or chalet with barbecue area. Cows with bells, sheep and the owner's two ponies are optional extras! The balcony extends all round. the first floor with access from all bedrooms (all with hot and cold) from which the views are magnificent. A pleasant pine floored "dining room, TV/video room and beer/wine bar com- plete the overall recreational, comfortable and welcoming atmosphere of this typical Bavarian hostelry. Enough of this rapture—what courses are available and what's it going to cost? It must first be pointed out that, for the past two years we've been paying DM32,000 ie about £8,500 for the three and a half winter months. The annual contract will cost us DM5,000 per month and, including estimated fuel, water and drainage charges, a total of about DM81,000 per year ie £21,500. This is the sort of figure which has been so daunting but we are a large Corps with vision and drive; how can we make it pay? This is our programme for the first year, based on DM100 being available towards the rent from each Snow Queen student. DM {Charges I Income not yet finalised.) 3—16 December—A senior officers/COs/ski-ing officers course to promote the hotel with twenty attending ... 2,000 19— 3 January —All ranks families Christmas/ New Year course eight families 3,200 3 Jan—27 March —Six Snow Queen courses of thirty students—includes grants ... 19,000 27 Mar—10 April -—Ski-ing course including families 3,000 Pension Jagerwinkel. 1 May— 2 November Summer Profit —Unit adventure training. Ten parties of twenty men at DM8 per man per day ...16.000 —The hotel will be reserved exclusively for families in July and August on a self catering basis. They may book at any other time in the summer, accept- ing that units may also be in residence. Based on a total of thirty families of two adults and two children paying DM30 per day for ten days, including accommodation fuel and light . 9.000 •—The only profits made will accrue from the bar, shop and gaming machines. Hopefully a con- servative estimate ... ... 10,000 Making a total of 62.200 (£16,600) It does not take a mathematical genius to deduce that we're £5,000 short or thereabouts. We will need to concentrate on several areas. The main one is advertising—the reason for this article. Every RAOC officer and soldier must be aware of the opportunities offered; all Snow Queen vacancies must be filled. While these courses are exclusive to BAOR units, it is not un- known for UK personnel to be attached for ' training.' Units must be encouraged to use the hotel for their summer adventure training camps; they need to get their bids in early and make application for grants to.cover accommodation and travel costs now. Families must be similarly encouraged to use the facility; a pleasant, relaxed holiday at very reasonable rates in superb surroundings is available. The hotel shop will offer good quality souvenirs thus boosting profits and a permanent manager will be on hand to provide bar service, advice on local activities, and a hire service for rucksacks, waterproofs and the like. During the first year we are confining use to RAOC personnel, past and present and personnel attached to RAOC units, RAOC TA members and families. Your Corps is back- ing this project financially with imagination and bold foresight for your benefit. Its success is dependent not only on pro- fessional and efficient management of the asset but also on your support and enthusiastic participation in the venture; it's up to you. Posters and advertising material will be with units soon; in the meantime, write for more details to The RAOC Alpine Hotel, 5 Ordnance Battalion BFPO 16. 93 |
| Book number | R0406 |