2004 Visit to The Barracks

In 2004 Brigadier Chris Murray, CBE, Commander of 143 (West Midlands) Brigade welcomed a party of fifty members of The Mount Residents' Group to Copthorne Barracks and provided us with a talk about army life and the work that goes on at the barracks. Brigadier Murray said that he and his staff very much welcomed the opportunity to meet local residents face to face because we are close neighbours, all part of the same community and he recognised that sometimes their activities had an impact on those who lived close to the barracks. We were invited back in 2005 when Major Clive Durrant, officer commanding 6 Flight Army Air Corps gave a presentation about helicopters and their contribution to daily life at Copthorne Barracks.

Our members were given the chance to inspect Gazelle and Squirrel helicopters used by military personnel at the barracks. We also had a chance to look around displays organised by E Light Infantry Company, a Territorial Army unit based at Copthorne Barracks. A few of the soldiers were dressed up in combat kit. Some of the boys had done tours in Afghanistan and some were going out to start tours in Iraq so it was very interesting talking to them. There was also a paint ball rifle range, a climbing wall and refreshments provided. Both staff at Copthorne Barracks and members of The Mount Residents' Group were keen to continue the relationship and so it was that in 2006 we challenged the British Army to a game of cricket. We came second! The British Army were presented with a trophy donated by the group. Everyone attending the match thoroughly enjoyed themselves both players and spectators.