As I am sure some of you are aware, I am Claude and my job at the Grand Hotel in Eastbourne is that of travelling bear!... A tough job but someone has to do it! Over the past 5 years I have been lucky enough to see some wonderful sights all over the world travelling with the loveliest of people.. From Ramsey Street in Australia to sitting on the Great Wall of China and so much more in between.
One thing I treasure most though is alot closer to home. Each year for the past 3, I have been privileged to take part in the largest free Seafront Air show in my home town of Eastbourne... Airbourne as we call it locally. A bear taking part in an Air show I hear you say!.. Well yes actually. In 2013 my trip was in a Provost Jet T5 (very fast) and in 2014 it was as a member of the amazing Breitling Wing Walking display team... So you can imagine my excitement when I was asked to 'muster' at the Press Tent on Friday 14th August this year! What would Assignment Claude 2015 be?
The fabulous Eastbourne Borough Council Team, headed by my pal Tracey came up trumps once more! Tracey spoke to a few unsuspecting Pilots and suggested what a good idea it would be to take a little bear (me) up with them... oh yes and get some photos!.. We got a bite!
So flying suit on I duly arrive.. on time of course! 'Well Claude, this year you will become a member of the Tigers Parachute Free Fall Display Team for the day' they say.. Oh boy I get to jump out of a plane at 6,000feet and free fall..... Scared was an understatement but true to my word... I will try anything once!
The Tigers team were founded in 1986. Volunteers are picked from various battalions of the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment, all members of this Regiment come from the Kent, Sussex, Surrey,London, Hampshire, Isle of Wight and Channel Island region. 2 of my team on the day actually hail from Hastings just down the coast, so local boys together we were! They appear at many Air shows around the country each year and even travel around Europe when asked. The team also provide an active and much appreciated support to the Army on recruitment too.
I met up with the team and off we headed to Headcorn Airport in Kent where our plane was waiting for us. Our allotted time at Airbourne was to be 17.03 on Saturday 15th August... (Day before my birthday actually but thats by the by)
My jumping buddy was a lovely chap called Cpl Frank Millerick, Team Leader and one of the Hastings boys. In 2012 Frank wone the coveted accolade of 'Instructor of the Year' from the British Parachute Association, so I knew I was in safe hands.
Slightly apprehensive we set off and made our way around the South Downs and Beachy Head towards Eastbourne. Coming closer it was amazing to see so many people looking skywards! We were the first out so a good impression was needed! Cpl Millerick nailed it with a perfect descent!.. I am sure I saw some score cards being held up with the number 10 on, or perhaps it was my slightly dizzy head! Safely down I have to say it was probably one of my most spectacular adventures..up their with the best!
My day with the Tigers was just amazing and I am grateful they agreed to take me on, although with Tracey doing the negotiations not sure how much choice they actually had!
So the big question is..... What next for 2016? I cannot wait. Many thanks again to Tracey and the Team... I couldn't have done it without you!
www.thetigersfft.co.uk
Just leaves me to say ..... Chocks Away.........