A GROUP of disabled ramblers were taken on a tour of Salisbury Plain by James Nevitt, a senior access and recreation officer for the Defence Infrastructure Organisation.

The visit by the Disabled Ramblers was to help them learn about the history of Salisbury Plain and how the Armed Forces use it to live, work and train.

The Ramblers enjoyed a route around the Plain that took in the beautiful landscape near Tilshead water tower with a stop at the long barrow on Old Ditch.

They visited the grounds of Tilshead Lodge, a former 17th century country house which was used as an army base during the Second World War.

Guy Salkeld, a DIO archaeologist gave an interesting talk about the history of the site, before the ramblers headed to Copehill Down village. The facility is purpose-built and was built in 1987 during the cold war and was designed to replicate a German village.

Valerie Rawlings, regional representative for the Disabled Ramblers, said the group had really enjoyed their time on the Plain.

She commented: “Everyone said how much they enjoyed the interesting talks and the enthusiasm that shone through was impressive. Copehill Down village was very interesting and brings home how much we owe to our valiant troops. I love Salisbury Plain and find it endlessly fascinating so hope to be able to go there again.”

ROYAL WESSEX YEOMANRY PARADE

Along with other celebrations that were taking place during the National Armed Forces Weekend in Salisbury, the Royal Wessex Yeomanry was able to exercise Old Sarum based B Squadrons, freedom of the city of Salisbury.

The freedom of the city was granted to The Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry following their exploits during the second Battle Alamein during the Second World War. The Guidon represents 225 years of history and a total of 42 battle honours.

FIRST FUSILIERS IN CANADA

The Tidworth based Battlegroup has been deployed on the Prairie for ten days and they have been joined by 85 members of the Fifth Fusiliers, the biggest deployment of reservist soldiers to BATUS ever.

The battlegroup split off across the training area to conduct training as individual sub units, with Z company conducting its live fire training while BGHQ took the opportunity to put themselves through their paces in another planning cycle.