Regiment Holds Open House & Family Fun Day

October 16, 2017

The island’s soldiers at the weekend showed the fun side of military life to members of the public at its annual open day.

The Royal Bermuda Regiment relaxed as the troops entertained families at Warwick Camp on Saturday. But the event also had a serious side – a bid to drum up volunteers for next January’s Recruit Camp.

Children at the RBR open day enjoy themselves on the lawn of the Officers’ Mess

And Joshua Davis, a security guard at the airport, said he was considering signing up after touring displays of the specialist training the RBR has to offer.

Mr Davis, 29, from Warwick, added: “It interests me – I was always on the fence about joining, but I really like the tactical side of the military.”

Cory Tucker-Smith, a 15-year-old CedarBridge Academy pupil from Devonshire, said he was too young to sign up – but had already joined the RBR youth organisation, the Junior Leaders.

Youngsters play on the fun castle set up at Warwick Camp as part of its open day

He added: “It’ll look good on my record and I’m looking forward to it. I would definitely consider going into the Regiment after that.”

Former professional British Army soldier Geoff Byrne, a butcher at Supermart in Hamilton, said he was keen to serve the country.

Mr Byrne, 48, who is still an Army reservist in The Rifles in the UK, said: “The Royal Bermuda Regiment is looking all right.

“They’re going to bring me in for two weeks and see what I think. I’m familiar with a lot of the equipment like the rifles and the helmets, so I should fit in easily.”

The RBR Band and Corps of Drums entertain the crowds at Warwick Camp

The open day at Warwick Camp on Saturday featured displays from the Regiment’s specialist units like Guns & Assault Pioneers, – the RBR’s engineers – the Band and Corps of Drums, medics, signals and Boat Troop and also a firepower demonstration on the shooting range.

A range of child-friendly activities like face-painting and a fun castle, as well as food, drinks and snacks were also on offer. RBR Adjutant and event organiser Major Duncan Simons said around ten recruits had signed up on the spot.

RBR Corporal Dante Durham lends a hand to two would-be medics

He added: “It went well – it was great to see so many families out and supporters of the Regiment, as well as potential recruits to talk to us and see the various units on display.

“It’s a chance for us to explain all of our work and training, like the deployment to Turks & Caicos after the hurricane there as well as our roles at home at the America’s Cup and after hurricanes. It’s good to show people what we’re capable of.”

Nicholas Dornelas, aged 7, from Pembroke, tries out bubble football at Warwick Camp