On Sunday 14th October a team from 102 Battalion REME (V) will participate in the Newcastle Stampede along with up to 1500 others from across the North East.
For the six members of the REME TA taking part the competition will come as a pleasant break, because prior to competing in the event they will cycle the 30 miles from Newton Aycliffe to Newcastle Racecourse.
Impressive enough you might think, but once finished, the team made up of permanent staff and REME Territorial Army soldiers will cycle home again, a gruelling 60 miles round trip!
The brains behind this fete of endurance is also a member of the Territorial Army. Lance Corporal Chris Schroeter has been a member of 124 Company for 9 years. As a soldier, LCpl Schroeter trained to become a Recovery Mechanic, while outside of the TA, Chris has just completed a 4 year course to qualify as a Tree Surgeon.
“It is this diversity that makes the Royal Electrical and Mechanic Engineers such a great choice for young men and women looking to learn a second skill”, said Captain David Hamilton, the Regimental Operations Support Officer.
“When Lance Corporal Schroeter first came to me with the idea, I was not the least bit surprised,”
Chris keeps himself extremely fit and has undertaken quite a few similar events. There is no shortage of volunteers to join Chris on the venture either and we have had to cap the number to 6 TA soldiers who will make the 60 mile round trip on 14th October.”
“I see it as a great opportunity for training and a chance to raise funds for two very worthwhile charities”, Lance Corporal Schroeter added.
102 Battalion REME, also known as “The Northern Craftsmen” are specialists in vehicle recovery and repair of the Army’s equipment both at home and on operations. The battalion presently has vacancies for young men and women willing to be trained as vehicle mechanics, drivers, chefs medics and HR specialists.
If you are aged between 18 and 43, physically fit and are interested in becoming a member of 102 Battalion REME (V), then why not pop into one of our TA Centres on Northfield Way, Newton Aycliffe or Walk, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. We are open Mon – Fri from 8 am to 5 pm, or visit our drill night on Tuesday evenings between 7:30 and 9:00 pm to find out more. Further details can be obtained by telephoning Captain David Hamilton on 01325 375012 or by e-mail to 102reme-bhq-roso@mod.uk