This was our fourth appearance at this event held in the historic Sherwood forest. We also discovered that we were actually situated on the original Army training grounds for Camp Proteus in the 1980's thanks to information given by a member of the public. The group suffered some bad luck as one member had been hospitalized before the event and a few others were unable to attend. This aside we still had a most enjoyable weekend with a lot of ups and few downs except it was blinkin cold at night.

With the display set up to include a weapon display and command post we persuaded a member to don his sniper kit and lay down concealed not too far from the track as to give the public a chance of spotting him which turned out to be quite difficult for some of the public. with one young lady running away screaming in fear (of what we do not know, all he did was wave his hand! well we think it was his hand)  and at one point having to tell one bloke not to stand on him. With compliments from a US Ranger the day was beginning to be a lot of fun, until the late afternoon School party turned up; A legend was born!

"The sniper and the school kids"

    One day a sniper lay in wait. Camouflaged from head to foot; he merged in well with his surroundings. He waited and waited enjoying targeting the people that did not see him, only revealing his presence with an odd wave. 

Later that day a party of school children came along and saw the sign that said "Spot the Sniper". Well these children were unlike any others encountered that day, they did not stay on the track and look like the others; They trampled the surrounding foliage flat until they found the sniper, who still did not move. 

Resembling a mound in a paddock the kids surrounded the Sniper and to horrified onlookers started to kick and prod the sniper thinking it to be a dummy. After a while the sniper decided it was time to act and with a "BOO!!", moved. 

The kids ran away screaming until they reached the track. Where they regrouped and then charged the sniper and continued to kick and prod him. Much to his relief a comrade came to his aid and ushered the children back to the track. After wards the Sniper said he wished he had loaded his weapon.

Somehow the Royal marines got lost?
Daz and Dan the mad men of the woods.

Sunday saw re-enforcements arrive and a madness set in and several of the members remembered that they had camouflage cream and set about merging in with the woods. We did not run the Spot the Sniper on the Sunday due to the terrain being a bit trampled, but instead a Patrol was sent out, who decided to creep up on the members left at the camp, only being revealed when they cocked the weapons. We can not wait until next year. This event is getting more and more interesting each year we attend it.

Ps. The Sniper is now in therapy and next year there will be a live minefield between us and the kids. Any donations towards his psychiatrist bill will be much appreciated, please use the donate  button on the home page.