Last year saw some of the worst
weather encountered at Soelden since we first started ski-bobbing in
earnest. In direct contrast, the weather was perfect with plenty of sun,
little wind and not a flake of new snow. Although there was adequate snow on
the mountains, we missed the lack of new snow which requires entirely
different skills and which every bobber should experience. It is always good
too, to have one blizzard so that newcomers to the sport can understand
“flat” conditions and are made aware of how hazardous the mountains can be
in such circumstances.
This year the Party included twelve amputees four of whom were attending for
the first time and one who had returned after many years. Bill MacWilliam at
the age of 71, with several disabilities and after two major operations, set
an example to us all – it is never too late to learn! |
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Bill MacWilliam at the age of 71,
with several disabilities and after two major operations, set an example to
us all – it is never too late to learn! |
For the first time in several
years, we had to restrict the number of participants which was limited by
the amount of equipment available, transport and other factors. This,
perhaps, indicates the popularity of the event and the measure of its
success.
There were rather more administrative problems than usual in that the air
party was delayed at Stansted by some three or four hours with the party
almost embarking for Vienna!! Further interest was created by the Army
Amputees from BFG who decided to take the scenic route to Soelden via Italy
oblivious to the fact that the road over the Timmelsjoch is closed from
October to June! After an overnight stay, they eventually arrived safely.
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John Mason Closely followed by Phil Aucott
"Further interest was created by the Army Amputees from BFG who decided
to take the scenic route to Soelden via Italy oblivious to the fact that the
road over the Timmelsjoch is closed from October to June! After an overnight
stay, they eventually arrived safely". |
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The initial briefing was
something of a culture shock for those who had not been before. Breakfast at
0730 hours and on the slopes one hour later! With ideal weather conditions,
basic instructions were given on the Piste with all concerned making good
progress.
Supervision of instruction was provided by the Chief Instructor, Chris
Livett BEM. This year a number of instructors were given greater latitude to
choose their own runs across the mountain range. A number of lessons were
learned from this and will be taken on board next year. |
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| Phil Watkins |
Colin Hamilton |
| Unfortunately on the penultimate
day, one Member had a spill which resulted in a fractured femur on his
stump. Help was immediately available and he was flown by helicopter to
Zams-Landeck hospital where he had his fracture pinned. He was visited on
the two succeeding days and presented with his bronze badge and certificate.
After six days hospitalisation where he was well looked after by the Surgeon
and staff, he flew home to Germany from Innsbruck, and is now making good
progress. |
The last evening was
devoted to the presentation of cups, badges and certificates not forgetting
the celebration of the General Secretary’s birthday. Five bronze and two
silver awards were made and this year, two new trophies were introduced. The
Chief Instructor’s award for the most improved student during the week went
to Chris Stewart. That for the best “wipe out” went to the General
Secretary. The latter’s birthday cake was adorned not by candles, but by
explosive cigarettes which although they successfully completed their
trials, had a four in five failure rate on the night! These were symbolic of
the number of cigarettes, multiplied by five, “borrowed” from unsuspecting
smokers during the course of the week.
Our thanks to Brendan West for acting as the events photographer, Mark
Livett, Alison Garland and Eddie Fox from the Veterans Agency for all their
help and support. We owe a particular debt of gratitude to the Red Devils
Free Fall Team for their generous loan of a People Carrier for the Party.
Finally, thanks to ‘Tin’ McSwiney who stores our bobs and to the instructors
and students for making the event so worthwhile.
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Colin Whitworth |