It seems like it's been a frightfully busy couple of weeks since the last post. First there was 5 days at RMA Sandhurst (or HMP Sandbags as it's sometimes known!) acting as a mentor for a civilian leadership challenge. It was great to be back at RMAS, this time with a pip on my chest, and not getting shouted at all of the time! I had a fantastic group of 8 who I looked after for 4 days whilst they underwent all sorts of leadership training and testing, such as planning exercises and command tasks.
There have also been a couple of lectures, including the Croydon College Graduation ceremony, where I spoke to about 1300 people in Fairfields Hall (my biggest audience ever!).
Had a wicked night in London last week going to the Chivas Regal Party in Marylebone to hear Nick and Giles English (of Bremont Watch Company) speak, and a tasting session of some rather delicious whiskey. As if this wasn't enough, Simon (my Manager) and I then headed down Bond Street to the opening party for the new Victorinox flagship store (and in fact, the only one in Europe!). Had a great chat to Carl Elsener, the CEO of Victorinox about climbing in Switzerland! Not only were we bombarded with free drinks and chocolate penknives all night, but the goodie bags were rather generous as well!

Saskia and I went climbing in the Wye Valley on Saturday with Rupert Rosedale, my climbing teacher from school. Somehow we managed to get the weather spot on, and we all had a great day (although Saskia might beg to differ!). A lot of frantic polishing that evening then prepared me for the Rememberance Sunday Parade in Cirencester with my Squadron. Absolutely freezing (not much room for thermals under my service dress!), but again somehow managed to stay dry, and of course a little shivering is a small price to pay to be involved in such an important day.