• Homepage
  • Admissions
  • Strategy 2022-2027
  • Stanfield Prep
    • A Word From Our Headmistress
    • About Our Wonderful School
    • An Excellent Education
    • Unrivalled Facilities
    • Pastoral Care – Merchants’ Mindset
    • Endless Opportunities
    • Out Of Hours Care
    • Learning Support
    • Key Information
  • Senior Boys
    • A Word From Our Headmaster
    • About Our School
    • Departments & Curriculum
    • Co-Curricular & Enrichment
    • Pastoral Care
    • Learning Support
    • Key Information
  • Senior Girls
    • About Our School
    • Departments & Curriculum
    • Co-Curricular & Enrichment
    • Pastoral Care
    • Learning Support
    • Key Information
  • Sixth Form
    • About Our Sixth Form
    • Boys’ Sixth Form
    • Girls’ Sixth Form
    • Academic Excellence
    • Leadership Opportunities
    • Co-Curricular & Enrichment
    • Extended Project Qualification
    • Pastoral Care
    • Careers
    • University Applications
  • Merchants+ Facility Hire and Children’s Activities
  • Calendar
  • Events
  • Latest News
  • Contact Us
  • Job Vacancies
  • Alumni & Development
  • SOCS Sports
  • Our Family
  • Stanfield Prep
  • Senior Boys
  • Menu Spacer ALWAYS KEEP IN MIDDLE
  • Senior Girls
  • Sixth Form
  • Admissions

MENU

A Weekend at RAF Brize Norton by Michael Stables

 

“RED ON! … GO!” shouted Flight Sergeant Baron, in his sharp Scottish accent. With my hands slightly shaking, I slapped my left hand on to my right wrist. All ready to jump out of the Hercules simulator – fixed 30 feet in the air.

IMG_1769

(many hours earlier)

        It was a fresh Saturday morning in Crosby when my father and I pulled into the St Mary’s school car park. The school’s CCF office (or ‘hut’ as the St Mary’s cadets called it) was opposite the car park. We were early so that we made a good first impression by not turning up late. There to greet us was the CCF’s Sergeant Major Tom Barny, an ex-paratrooper who was able to set up the weekend. After more paper work was signed, and the rest of the cadets had shown up the parents took their leave.

        The group was to make the 4-hour journey in a mini-bus. Classic cadet transport. In the mini-bus were 12 people in total (10 cadets, 1 officer and 1 senior NCO) and everyone’s luggage. The cadets consisted of: myself, Dominic Hodkinson, Ben Foskett and Will Surridge. We were the Merchant Taylors’ School CCF attachments. The rest were from St Mary’s. From St Mary’s there was: Tom Huges. George Clarke, Sean Dwyer, Ben Holdem, Talitha-Kay Greatorex and Leah Lovelady. The adults on the trip were Captain Elaine Overend and, as I previously mentioned, Sergeant Major Tom Barney.

        The drive down was useful in learning everyone’s names. But in truth the time seemed to fly by.

        When we arrived at RAF Brize Norton, we were met at the gates by Warrant Officer Class 2 Kevin Almond, who was going to be our host for the weekend. Rank worn on the wrist, polished boots, impeccably moulded and old beret and deep booming voice. He looked like a stereotypical sergeant major. Through him we were waved through the gate and dropped off at the Parachute Training Support Unit Centre (PTSU). Located next to Number 1 Parachute Training School (No.1 PTS).

WOII Almond gave a very quick brief before he marched us over to No.1 PTS. This place was like sacred ground to the Parachute Regiment. It was where they earned their coveted parachute wings. Merely the chance to see it was something to behold. It wasn’t much on the outside. It looked very much like an ordinary aircraft hangar. But on the inside was a whole other story. The hangar was stocked with parachutes, simulators and other various bits of jump equipment (including harnesses and helmets).

IMG_1780

Strolling over with a hot cup of tea in his hand, came Flight Sergeant Baron. One of the most senior PJIs (parachute jump instructors) of the school. His instructor’s jacket was covered with various parachuting badges. Flt Sgt Baron came across as quite a relaxed man. He never had to raise his voice or start shouting the entire day. We conducted interesting warm ups/drills prior to the 3 30 foot jumps. The training was excellent and so were the officers and NCO (non-commissioned officers). After the training we were all awarded honorary Army or RAF parachute wings. It is a shame we are not allowed to wear them on our uniforms.

Everyone was tired; the group went to the Parachute Training Support Unit Accommodation, kindly provided by WOII Almond. First job was to make the beds, then have a shower before meeting a World War 2 veteran, Private Steve Morgan(2 PARA), who was the last British solider off the bridge at Arnhem, Holland.

The drive to Private Morgan’s house was very short. We were greeted at the house with open arms. Literally. The man hugged all of us as we came through the door. He was very open to tell his story to us because he believed that we, as the next possible generation of HM forces, needed to know of the history that our predecessors fought to create. Meeting him was an immense honour and listening to him talk about such events in so much detail was incredibly interesting.

The day ended with some light-hearted bowling and me in my bed at 22:15.

The next morning was a rather fast process. The shower, then breakfast, then packing up and tidying the room seemed to blur into one. Low ropes and command tasks were on the agenda for the day. Sadly, there was not enough instructors for the high ropes.

The first test of the day was when we were told to stand on a 1.5 metre pedestal and fall back. The aim of the task was to see if you trusted in your team to catch you. I am not going to lie. But I was wondering whether they would make the catch. Never the less I fell back and the caught me. The other command tasks were done in apparently base record-breaking times.

The final event involved us listening to WOII Almond explain his time in the army and us being able to ask questions about careers in the forces. After thanks were exchanged and goodbyes were said, the group boarded the bus for the final time. Destination: home. The drive back up north was filled with laughter and Captain Overend’s disco tunes.

IMG_1774

Overall the weekend down at RAF Brize Norton was an eye-opening experience which none of the Merchant Taylors’ cadets will forget. In this report I would like to thank the St Mary’s CCF  and its officers for setting up and inviting us on the weekend.

 

SHARE:

Previous Post All News Next Post

Latest News

  • Merchant Taylors’ Pupils Champion Student Wellbeing at London Conference
  • Merchant Taylors’ Pupils Shine at Alderley Edge Festival
  • Seven Pupils Offered Coveted Places with National Youth Theatre
  • Economics Pupils Secure Prestigious CISI Qualification
  • A Legacy in Song: Merchant Taylors’ Hosts Spectacular Gala
View All News

Upcoming Events

  • May Holiday Club 2025 on May 27, 2025 8:00 am
  • May Holiday Club 2025 on May 28, 2025 8:00 am
  • May Football Camp on May 28, 2025 9:30 am
  • May Holiday Club 2025 on May 29, 2025 8:00 am
  • May Football Camp on May 29, 2025 9:30 am
View All Events

Join our family

admissions information sign up to our newsletter

SHARE:

Back to top

Instagram Feed

Congratulations to Claudia, David, Jude and Ruby w Congratulations to Claudia, David, Jude and Ruby who had the privilege of attending the annual wellbeing conference at the @merchant_taylors Hall in London, where this year’s theme centred around safe spaces and belonging.

As part of the event, they were invited to present to delegates on how our TENDO programme helps foster a strong sense of belonging and creates safe, supportive spaces within our School community.

Their presentation was met with great enthusiasm, earning praise for its thoughtfulness, clarity, and confidence.
Train like a pro this May Half Term! ⚽ Our Foot Train like a pro this May Half Term! ⚽

Our Football Camp is led by Marine FC Manager and UEFA licensed coach Bobby Grant, giving young players the chance to sharpen their skills, grow in confidence and enjoy a brilliant day of football.

Places are limited - book now via the link in our bio! ⤴️
We were delighted to welcome world-class baritone We were delighted to welcome world-class baritone @rwoodbaritone to work with our Cambiata Choir last week 🎶

The boys thoroughly enjoyed the session, which focused on developing changing voices and building stage presence. 

It was a fantastic opportunity to learn from a professional singer of such high calibre, and we’re very grateful to Roland for sharing his expertise and enthusiasm.
Harry and Jude from our Eco Committee share how th Harry and Jude from our Eco Committee share how the Recycle 4 School BoxDrop initiative is helping us support sustainability at Merchant Taylors’.

Three textile recycling boxes are now in place across the school, perfect for any pre-loved items you no longer need.

A big thank you to our Eco Committee for driving this initiative and inspiring positive change across our community. ♻️
Pupils from Years 7 to 10 delivered outstanding pe Pupils from Years 7 to 10 delivered outstanding performances at the recent Alderley Edge Festival, earning multiple 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishes across a range of drama categories including Acting Through Song, Shakespearean Text, and Duologues.

A highlight of the weekend was being awarded the prestigious William Roache Cup for Outstanding Drama Performance, recognising the school’s exceptional contribution to the festival.

Read more and see the full list of winners via the link in our bio ⤴️
On Thursday, the Year 5 Drama Club enjoyed a speci On Thursday, the Year 5 Drama Club enjoyed a special visit from Dr John Gill, former Head of Drama at Merchant Taylors’. Dr Gill kindly returned to support the pupils as they prepare for their upcoming performance next week.

His wealth of experience and encouraging guidance provided a valuable boost to the group, who thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to rehearse under his direction.

We are grateful to Dr Gill for giving his time so generously and look forward to seeing the pupils bring their hard work to life on stage.
On Day two of their residential, Year 4 had a bril On Day two of their residential, Year 4 had a brilliant time canoeing and paddleboarding - with Mr Roberts “accidentally” taking a splash! 💦

In the evening, pupils headed out on a nature walk linked to their Science topic Habitats, gathering natural materials to create their own mini habitats.

To round off the day: bushcraft, fire-lighting, and toasted marshmallows under the trees. A fabulous end to a fabulous day!
📣 We’re hiring! The Ian Robinson Sports Cent 📣 We’re hiring!

The Ian Robinson Sports Centre at Merchant Taylors’ is looking for a Casual Holiday Club/Leisure Assistant to join the team.

If you’re enthusiastic, sporty, and great with children, this is a fantastic opportunity to help deliver fun, high-quality activities and inspire young people to get active! 🏀⚽🎾

Click the link in our bio to find out more ⤴️
Merchant Taylors' image

ADDITIONAL INFO
Disclaimer
Privacy
Cookie Usage
Terms & Conditions
Website Credits

LINKS
Intranet
iSAMS – Staff Portal
iSAMS – Student Portal
iSAMS – Parent Portal
SOCS Login
SOCS Calendar
Library

 
Contact
Join Our Team
Policies
Events
Governance

Admissions: 0151 949 9366
Primary School: 0151 924 1506
Senior Girls: 0151 924 3140
Senior Boys: 0151 928 3308
Sports Centre: 0151 949 9355

The Merchant Taylors’ School
Liverpool Road
Crosby
Liverpool
L23 0QP

Our social links

© The Merchant Taylors’ Schools, Crosby
Company No: 6654276
Registered Charity No: 1125485

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT