This year, 7 ex members of 29 Commando Regiment RA decided it was high time they went on a Winter Deployment of their own. Not quite as extensive or arduous as the "real" thing which they’ve been used to in the past but due to the natural aging process it was still felt by all those who attended!

Nominal Roll (those who attended):

Ken Rae Tim Borrill

Asda Price Bob Beggs

George Butterworth Graham "Scouse" Thomas

John McGairy

Sick Lame and Lazy (those who had to pull out at the eleventh hour!):

Nick Jones Buster Brown

Kev "Larry" Langshaw

We stayed in apartment accommodation on the ski resort of Mottaret in the 3 valleys in the French Alps. The accommodation was a little basic, 4 man rooms but generally clean and tidy although I could compare it with survival training after a full days skiing but it was relatively cheap!

We flew on the Saturday 19th January 2008 out of Bristol at "sparrows fart" and into Chambery where we had a coach connection to the resort. By arriving in the afternoon gave people a chance to unpack, do the proverbial ski hire, pay for ski passes, etc and more importantly have a few beers ready for the epic ski challenge the next day. At this stage everyone was feeling a little apprehensive as to their own ability with some guys not having skied for over 10 years but come the next day the race was on! In typical 29 fashion and everyone not wanting to be out done, we "gladly" went to the top of the mountain!

The skiing was fantastic but by Tuesday, 3 of us were already carrying injuries with Scouse needing casevac attention off the hill and his practical ski days very much curtailed! However, the skiing was fantastic with conditions near perfect for the whole of the week. As for variety well you could not have wanted for more. The Three Valleys is considered the largest ski area in the world and in out younger days we may have done it some justice but in our present age and condition I think we merely scratched the surface but it was incredible.

The company and atmosphere was excellent with some friendships rekindled, others reinforced and everyone in agreement that we should do it again! So what we have decided is:

Location - Campo Smith Villa Apartments in Bardonecchia which is in the Italian Alps. There are plenty of other apartments and chalets in Bardonecchia but Campo Smith you can ski straight from the door which we found in France to be a valued bonus.

Dates – between the 15/02/2009 to 22/02/2009 depending on when you can book your flights. We chose the half term week to allow people to take their families, etc and give more flexibility. Although it will be more expensive due to it being the half term we thought it would allow people the chance to turn it into a family holiday.

I don’t know if we’ll all attend because it might have just been pie in the sky with us secretly hating each other and the skiing experience not what we quite remembered but somehow I don’t think so. However, I for one will be going as I have already booked my place and paid my deposit and I strongly believe the others will take up the Italian challenge as I hope other ex 29 members will and make it a continuing and very enjoyable encounter. Let’s be honest if you’re going to go on a skiing holiday why not let it be with other like minded people of similar abilities and turn it into a week long reunion!

Asda Price