After celebrating the teams successes from prize giving the evening before; members took the opportunity to enjoy a slightly later start and the last chance for a dip in the beautifully clear and warm Antiguan waters.
After a leisurely breakfast, the team got together at 0900 to ensure they had enough time to pack all the team kit away for the return journey. The Baggage Master Rick and his select band of merry helpers made sure we were easily packed ahead of the 1030 bus loading time. With skills like a professional Tetris player, the team ensured all the kit was only going in one trip, making the two larger vehicles feel like the Tardis. The challenge was the two extra large boxes of new gun slips that had flow out and met the team in Antigua so were not part of the original team baggage allowance. With military precision, the team left the hotel at the allocated time – 1100.
Yet again, under the Baggage Master’s command, the team glided through check-in and handing over 13 rifle cases to BA. It went smoothly all the way up until the gate where the Captain and a select few were flagged and pulled to the side during boarding due to a “baggage discrepancy”. After some quicker heated phone calls from the gate staff, the Captain et al were allowed to get on the plane to England. Once the team were all boarded, the plane’s Captain gave a shout out to the England Team for all its successes during the West Indies Fulbore Championships.
The team left 28 degrees and blue skies, as they descended into London, there was cloud cover as far as the eye could see. The return to Blighty could have only been more English if it was raining.
After a smooth collection of rifles and baggage at Gatwick, the team arrived back at Bisley for the final close down admin in the NLRC, as well as final lollipops.
After a fantastic 22 days, the England Rifle Team’s tour to the West Indies has drawn to a close. From all the team members, we thank the planning and execution from the management, the support from all our sponsors, and the support from friends and family.
Until next time, message 10.