Sandhurst Royal Military Academy Heritage Day – 21st June 2010


Being a BVCT Trustee takes you to some interesting places. On a sunny Sunday in June, several of us could be found by the shore of the lake in the magnificent grounds of the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst. As part of the RMA's annual Heritage Day, the only chance the public has to see this historic site, we had been invited to set out our 'stall', so several of us enthusiastically grabbed the opportunity to recruit a few more people to the cause, and spread the word about our important work. Heritage Day normally attracts up to 10,000 visitors, but the lovely weather nearly doubled the numbers this year, so there was plenty of potential for us!
 
However, all of the environmental organisations were placed by the Boat House beside the lake, which was a very picturesque site butvquite a long way from the main arena. So nine new members was no more than a reasonable success, although there was still plenty of interest in our stand. One of our two new 'pop up' display stands, showing a large map of the Valley, seems to attract attention and make it easy to approach visitors. We also made some useful new contacts for volunteering opportunities.
 
There were opportunities to watch some of the events, sample the refreshments on offer, including delicious curries provided by the Gurkhas, and admire the spectacular buildings where the cream of our army officers are trained. There are a lot worse ways of spending a Sunday!
 
Mike Swaddling