We recently had the privilege of signing the armed forces covenant on behalf of myself and my co-Directors Paul and David and the whole of DSI. As an organisation, we are committed to working with, supporting and developing our relationship with serving and past and future members of the Armed forces.

It was also an honour to attend the HMS Collingwood field gun run last weekend weekend. This is our second year of sponsorship of the HMS Collingwood field gun team.

With its origins going back to 1899, competing in Field Gun competitions demands teamwork, leadership, and moral and physical courage. With 26 weeks of work giving up every lunchtime, and evening to train for 1 day! It is not for the faint-hearted.

Each crew of 18 highly disciplined, motivated, and physically fit Field Gunners, races to assemble an antique Field Gun and run with it, disassembling and reassembling as the competition requires, before dramatically dragging the gun ‘home’.

The current competition is recognised at all levels of the Service as embodying and championing the physical and mental courage, discipline, leadership, and teamwork required as part of the moral component of operational capability. It is recognised as one of the hardest sports to take part in. Our congratulations to HMS Seahawk for winning the prestigious Brickwoods trophy for the second year running.

The End of Season Dinner took place at the Gosport Sailing Club Tuesday 4th July

There was great attendance from the crew and sponsors alike for what was a fantastic evening celebrating the crew’s achievements.

Although the teams didn’t bring home the silverware there was a lot to be proud of, most notably “A Crew” running consistent times of 1.19 during the heats, times that would usually easily win the competition. The commitment and comradery shown was phenomenal and all of this is done in people’s own time whilst juggling work and family life.

Several awards were presented by trainers Lt Mark Pollard (Number 1 trainer) and WO1 Stu Webster (Number 2 trainer). The following accolades were given:

  • Best newcomer: ETWE James Mclean
  • B Crew’s nominated Field Gunner of the Year: LET Robert Bastidas-Spence
  • Number 2’s Field Gunner of the Year: Flt Beth Park & ETWE Callum Ollier
  • Number 1’s Field Gunner of the Year: LET Duncan Mcvey
  • DSI Ltd Crew’s Field Gunner of the Year: AB Aaron Williams – won for showing leadership on and off the track. His on-the-track performances as a speedy bullet stood out in comparison to his counterparts.

The evening brought close to a long season, but planning is already starting for next year as we aim to lift the Brickwood’s Trophy.

Annual Reception at The RAF Museum London on Thursday 6 July 2023

As a result of the work that DSI and the livery company are doing with the No.1 Radio School RAF Cosford, I was invited to attend the annual event celebrating the work that RAF 601 Squadron does for Charity and serving/retired members of the RAF.

The evening was hosted by Air Vice-Marshal Malcolm Brecht CB CBE, Officer Commanding, and the Officers of No 601 (County of London) Squadron, Royal Auxiliary Air Force.

As a keen aviator, it was a privilege to be invited to such a prestigious event in what can only be described as a glorious location filled with history and an amazing collection of vintage aircraft, some of which I have flown or flown in, like the Lancaster.