Adjutant Generals’ Corps Hockey Club
Tour Manager
Major Warren Ginn
SO2 J1 Mobilisation
RTMC
Chetwynd Barracks
Chilwell, Nottingham
NG9 5HA
Telephone
0115 9572148
Military 94551
2148
E-Mail: warren.ginn198@mod.uk
See Distribution
Reference:
AGCHC/ExDT/PXR
Date:
5 Dec 14
ADJUTANT GENERAL’S CORPS HOCKEY TOUR: AUSTRALIA AND SINGAPORE
EXERCISE DIGGER THUNDER 2014 (ExDT): 23 OCT – 10 NOV 14
POST EXERCISE REPORT
Introduction
1.
This was the 4th tour the AGC Hockey Club has undertaken since the formation of the
Corps in 1992. It was the second twin location tour and follows the very successful tour to New
Zealand and South Korea in Jan 12. This tour was a huge success and the AGC Hockey team
played games in Sydney, Melbourne and Singapore.
2.
The Men’s team played 6 matches, won 1, drew 1 and lost 4. The fixtures included 3
military sides and 2 civilian sides in Australia and 1 civilian side in Singapore.
3.
The Ladies team played 6 matches and won 1, drew 1 and lost 4, playing the same
opposition as the men’s team.
4.
In addition 2 mixed games were played against ADF opposition and honours were shared
with a win a piece.
Personnel
5.
The tour consisted of 30 personnel, 14 Men and 16 Ladies. Selection has been based on
availability and commitment to Corps Hockey in recent years. Included in the Men’s side was an
AMS Doctor who replaced, at the very last minute, an AGC player who was unable to attend the
tour due to an injury. His presence on tour proved invaluable.
Points of Contact
6.
The Australian Defence Force (ADF), Hockey Club provided a liaison officer, Warrant
Officer Will McConnell. Due to the REME touring earlier in the year accommodation, transport
and feeding was not available through the ADF. That said Warrant Officer McConnell was
essential in the organisation of this tour and organised a training pitch, all ADF matches and
pitches as well as providing contacts for the games in Melbourne. This tour could not have been
possible without his assistance. Contact details, +61 412327585 or + 61 244243432, email is
McConnell, William CPO [william.mcconnell@defence.gov.au]. In addition for the games in
Melbourne against Footscray HC and Victoria ADF, the POC was PO Greg Kahl,
greg.kahl@defence.gov.au
7.
President of ADF Hockey is Brigadier Bruce Cook, +61 262663571 or +61 419795400 and
his email is bruce.cook@defence.gov.au
8.
The point of contact used in Singapore was Mrs Pauline Appleyard, Social Secretary
(Hockey) from the Singapore Cricket Club, paulinerappleyard@yahoo.co.uk
Accommodation
9.
Hostel accommodation was utilised throughout the tour and was found to be completely
suitable. Rooms were a combination of 4 to 8 bed dorms and facilities varied between the 3
hostels used. The Australian Hostels were booked through Groups at Hostel Bookers and the
Singapore hostel booked direct. If possible bookings should be made direct with the hostel and
may prove cheaper. Full details are as follows:
a.
Sydney (26 – 30 Oct and 3 – 7 Nov 14) – Big Hostel, 212 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills,
Sydney, 2010, Australia. Contact – Hellen - hellen@bighostel.com (+61 (2) 9281 6030).
The hostel was clean and bedding and towels provided with en-suite showers and toilets in
the dorms. Free wi-fi and breakfast was provided. It is in a great central location and easily
accessed by public transport from the airport.
b.
Melbourne (30 Oct – 3 Nov 14) - Space Hotel, 380 Russell St, Melbourne, 3000,
Australia. Contact – Yossi - yossi@spacehotel.com.au (+61 3 9662 3888). This was an
excellent hostel in a great location. Bedding and towels were provided; showers and toilets
were clean and on each floor. Wi-fi is at a cost and breakfast was not provided.
c.
Singapore (7 – 9 Nov 14) – Five Stones Hostel, 61 South Bridge Road Level 2 (near
Hong Kong Street), Singapore 058691. Contact - reservations@fivestoneshostel.com (+65
6535 5607). This hostel was in a great location by Clark Quay and close to China Town.
Free wi-fi was available throughout the hostel and breakfast was provided. Towels are not
provided but cost about £1.50 to hire.
Timings
10.
The tour was organised at the start of the Australian off season and dates were discussed
and agreed with Warrant Officer McConnell.
Travel
11. Flights were organised through group sales at Trailfinders and were via Singapore Airlines.
(POC Sarah Szyszkiewicz – 020 7938 3858):
a.
London Heathrow (LHR) TO Sydney (SYD) Singapore Airlines – 23 Oct 14
SQ 321 23 Oct LONDON TO SINGAPORE 2205 - 1755
SQ 221 24 Oct SINGAPORE TO SYDNEY 2015 - 0655
b.
Sydney (SYD) TO Singapore (Sin) Singapore Airlines – 7 Nov 14
SQ 212 SYDNEY TO SINGAPORE 0905 – 1415
c.
Singapore TO London Heathrow – 9 Nov 14
SQ 322 SINGAPORE TO LONDON 2345 - 0555
12. Flights were held with a 10% deposit. Final payment was taken 8 weeks before departure on
1 Sep 14. Only 1 name change was required and this cost £175.00 and was notified less than 7
days before departure. The earlier the flights are booked the cheaper the flights are.
13. The tour party met at Mons Barracks, Aldershot at 1400 hrs on the day of travel and the tour
party were issued their tour kit. Final checks were made on passports and driving licences and the
party then departed by coach to London Heathrow. Dress was smart trousers and tour polo shirts.
A coach was organised to collect the party on the return and taken to Mons Barracks. The RAO
from 1 Irish Guards facilitated the use of the barracks and this allowed individuals to park personal
vehicles during the tour.
14. Transport in Australia and Singapore. For travel in Australia 3 x 12 seater mini-buses
were hired with 2 x trailers. The mini-buses were modern, fitted with satnav and came with toll free
devices in each vehicle. There was a cap of 200 km per day and only 1 vehicle exceeded this with
a charge of approx AUS$ 60.00. An optional charge to reduce the excess was taken and this
proved sensible as some damage was sustained to a vehicle and the cost was limited to AUS $
550.00, some smaller damage was sustained and paid locally. Only drivers over 25 years old
could drive in Australia. In Singapore public transport was utilised. After the game against the
Singapore Cricket Club transport was arranged by the hosts and the British High Commission
organised transport to attend the Remembrance Service in Singapore. In addition tour funds paid
for a bus to the airport from the hostel in Singapore. The company used in Australia for minibuses was Sydney Mini Bus Company and the contact details are as follows:
a.
Tony Potter – bookings@sydneyminibushire.com.au
Messing
15. Most breakfasts were provided by the hostels and the remaining meals were either paid for
by the individual, by hosting teams or through tour funds. The cost of food and drink in Australia is
high, although in Singapore the costs in some locations (outside tourist’s areas) were considerably
cheaper.
Administration
16. Finance. Please see Annex B for the final costings. All personal contributions were kept to
£750. This was paid in instalments prior to the trip.
17. Funding. All personal were encouraged to approach their individual units for grants from the
PRI and ECOPF. For the majority this reduced the cost of the personal contribution and varied
from £50 - £200.
18. Currency. It was a personal responsibility to make arrangements for currency exchange for
the tour. It was recommended that the majority of funds is taken as cash passports as these can
be more easily replaced than cash if stolen. Restaurants and shops accept the major credit cards.
Thomas Cook, Marks & Spencer and the Post Office all offer “no commission” currency exchange
to military personnel.
19. Passports. All members of the tour held a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining (a
requirement for entry into Singapore), as at the end date of the tour (10 Nov 14). Details of
passports and driving licences were held by the tour manager and all personal were directed to
hold a photocopy of their passport. No passport issues were encountered on the tour.
20. E Visas. All British passport holders completed the Australian online electronic visitor Visa
and submitted a pdf copy to the tour manager prior to departing. This allows for expedited
passage through immigration. No issues were found during the trip. A visa is not required for
British Passport holders in Singapore.
21. Army Sports Lottery. All members of the tour were fully paid members of the Army Sports
Lottery (ASL) prior to departure. The ASL also provided water bottles and t-shirts with ASL logos
that were used throughout the tour. Without the £750.00 contribution per person to the tour, the
tour would not have been possible.
22. Emergency Contacts. All members of the tour logged on to JPA and ensured their
Emergency Contact (EC) details were correct and in date. The Tour Manager held emergency
contact details and JCCC was not required.
23. Compassionate Emergencies. All members of the tour ensured they passed on the
“Compassionate Leave and Travel from Overseas” information card (JPA P001) onto their NoK.
Clearances
24. ASCB. Authority to travel must be obtained through both the chain of command and the
ASCB. The latest DIN for Army Overseas Sports Travel is 2014DIN10-054.
25. Political. In addition to the ASCB authority political clearance must be obtained, for
Australia this was through the British Embassy in Canberra. POC is Admin Officer
Tom.geraghty@fco.gov.uk and in Singapore it is the British High Commission and the POC is
Mick.Saunders@fco.gov.uk.
Medical
26. Vaccinations. Personnel ensured they were fully up to date with their normal military
required vaccinations. No specific additional vaccinations were required for visiting Australia and
Singapore.
27. Personal Medical Responsibilities. All personnel were deemed fit to travel prior to the tour
although some injuries were sustained during the matches in Australia.
28. First Aid Kit. A specialist hockey first aid kit was included in the team’s equipment. This
proved to be sufficient for the needs of the tour. The company used was Firstaid4sport.
29. Impact of the Weather. The estimated temperature for Australia West Coast in Oct/Nov
was estimated to be 20°C but the actual temperature was closer to 30°C in Sydney. The weather
was cooler in Melbourne. In Singapore the temperature was around 32°C and with humidity
around 100%. Playing conditions in Sydney and Melbourne were manageable, even the games
played in the afternoon. Precautions were taken and ice, fruit and drinks were readily available on
the sidelines. The playing conditions in Singapore were considerably harsher and games were
reduced to 25 mins each way to compensate. Again fluids and ice were readily available for
players and players fully re-hydrated after the fixture
30. Injuries. The touring party suffered some injuries during the fixtures played and it proved
invaluable having a team doctor. The injuries sustained were as follows (MOD Form 510 to be
completed by the player concerned on return to UK):
a.
Cut to the head requiring stitches.
b.
Player fainting – No further action required.
c.
Damage to knee ligaments – Follow up action required in the UK.
d.
Various bruises – No further action required.
Insurance
31. Travel Insurance. All players paid for their own travel insurance. It was stressed this must
include cover for contact sports and in particular hockey must be mentioned. All players had to
confirm their policy details to the tour manager before departure.
32. Security. There were no incidents of theft or altercations during the tour. The Australian and
Singapore hosts ensured we did not venture into the back streets of the cities and kept to the
tourist areas. On the whole the cities were found to be very safe.
Equipment
33. Baggage Allowance. Everyone was allowed two hold bags with a combined total of up to
30kg. It was suggested, one holdall and one stick bag (or goalie bag for Goalkeepers) be taken
per person. There was also a hand baggage allowance, which was restricted to the usual 7kg per
bag and the bag must be of the correct dimensions for routine flights. No excess baggage was
required. In the tour instruction players were limited to 25kg of their baggage allowance to allow
for tour kit and goalkeeper equipment. There was no specific group check-in for Singapore Airlines
and liaison with the ground staff at check-in ensured there were no issues.
34. Tour Kit. The tour kit was purchased through Frog Island Sport in Leicester. They provided
a healthy discount and were able to embroider the kit at a very reasonable price. Each player was
issued the following kit:
a.
Tour tracksuit.
b.
2 x Playing shirts.
c.
Tracksuit.
d.
2 x Tour polo shirts.
e.
Tour shorts and 2 x socks.
f.
Tour stick bag.
Activities
35. Activities at some locations were factored into the itinerary. Other days were left free for
individuals to explore where they wished. Activities factored into the tour budget are below.
Activities were undertaken by some or all of the tour party, including;
a.
Sydney.
(1) Sydney Harbour Cruise – Via Captain Cook Cruises. Approx Aus$100 per
person and included a 4 ½ cruise, 3 course lunch and drinks.
(2) Hunter Valley Wine Tour – Included a visit to Australian animal zoo and lunch.
Approx Aus$90.00 per person.
(3)
Blue Mountains Tour – Approx Aus£90.00 per person.
(4) Bondi beach. A day of relaxing between matches, plenty of bars, markets and
restaurants stretch along the beach.
b.
Melbourne.
(1)
Melbourne Zoo – Free with MOD Form 90.
c.
Singapore.
(1)
Aquarium and waterpark – Sing$67.00
Media
36. Maj Sarah Ballantyne was the Chief Scribe and articles will be submitted to the AGC Journal,
ASCB, ASL, Soldier Magazine and England Hockey.
Discipline
37.
No disciplinary incidents occurred on the tour.
Pre-Tour Training Match
38.
There was just ONE pre-tour meet up and training match at HM Prison Service in Warwick.
Tour Matches MEN
Loss 5-4
WO McConnell
Daceyville Pitch –
NSW University
Drew 2-2
WO McConnell
Daceyville Pitch –
NSW University
Lost 5-2
Match 4
New South Wales
Australian Defence
Force (NSW ADF)
New South Wales
Australian Defence
Force (NSW ADF)
Doncaster Hockey
Club
Victoria ADF
Match 5
Footscray HC
Lost 4-2
Match 6
Singapore Cricket
Club
Lost 3-2
Sarah Gaskill
Doncaster HC –
[gaskers09@gmail.com] Melbourne
PO Greg Kahl
Footscray HC Melbourne
PO Greg Kahl
Footscray HC Melbourne
Pauline Appleyard
Singapore
Drew 2-2
WO McConnell
Daceyville Pitch –
NSW University
Lost 1-0
WO McConnell
Daceyville Pitch –
NSW University
Lost 3-0
Match 4
New South Wales
Australian Defence
Force (NSW ADF)
New South Wales
Australian Defence
Force (NSW ADF)
Doncaster Hockey
Club
Victoria ADF
Match 5
Footscray HC
Lost 6-0
Match 6
Singapore Cricket
Club
Lost 1-0
Sarah Gaskill
Doncaster HC –
[gaskers09@gmail.com] Melbourne
PO Greg Kahl
Footscray HC Melbourne
PO Greg Kahl
Footscray HC Melbourne
Pauline Appleyard
Singapore
Match 1
Match 2
Match 3
Won 4-2
Tour Matches LADIES
Match 1
Match 2
Match 3
Won 5-2
Tour Matches MIXED
Match 1
New South Wales
Australian Defence
Force (NSW ADF)
Lost 3-2
WO McConnell
Daceyville
Pitch – NSW
University
Match 2
New South Wales
Australian Defence
Force (NSW ADF)
Won 2-1
WO McConnell
Daceyville
Pitch – NSW
University
Defence Engagement
39. We were well hosted by the ADF both in Sydney and in Melbourne and played a total of 5
matches against ADF opposition. Parking of the tour mini buses was facilitated by WO McConnell
and secured military barrack locations were sourced close to the accommodation in Sydney and
Melbourne.
40. In Singapore we were hosted by the Defence Attaché and his staff from the British High
Commission and attended the Remembrance Service at the Kranji Military Cemetery in Singapore.
The OIC Lt Col David Rutherford laid a wreath on behalf of the Corps.
Command and Control
OIC Tour – Lt Col David Rutherford
Tour Manager – Maj Warren Ginn
Media – Maj Sarah Ballantyne
Ladies’ Coach – Cpl Emily Lewis
Men’s’ Coach – Major Andrew Lowe
Ladies’ Captain – Capt Sarah Peel
Men’s’ Captain – Maj Matt Cann
Summary
41. The AGC Hockey tour to Australia and Singapore was a great success and was hugely
rewarding to those that took part. Some very competitive hockey was played and continued the
great tradition and rivalry against the Australian Defence Force. In Singapore a strong bond was
made with the Hockey element of the Singapore Cricket Club and the Remembrance Service at
the Kranji Military Cemetery was a truly moving experience and one that will remain in everyone’s
memory.
42.
Any queries relating to this PXR should be directed to the undersigned in the first instance.
{Original Signed}
WF GINN
Major
Tour Manager and Secretary
for Chairman AGC HC
Annexes:
A.
B.
C.
Tour Itinerary.
Finance.
Nominal Roll.
Distribution:
All participants at Annex C
Copy to:
ASCB
Sec AHA
RHQ AGC
Chairman AGC Hockey
ANNEX A to
AGCHC/ExDT/PXR
Dated 5 Dec 14
AGC HOCKEY TOUR TO AUSTRALIA 23 OCT – 10 NOV 14
Date
23 Oct 14
25 Oct 14
25 Oct 14
Time
2205
0655
0900
Activity
Depart London Heathrow
Arrive Sydney Airport
Move to accommodation – rest of day free
26 Oct 14
26 Oct 14
26 Oct 14
Tour briefing
Collect 3 x mini-buses
Training
30 Oct 14
30 Oct 14
1000
1100
1130
1300
1330
1500
1330
1500
1130
1700
0800
1900
31 Oct 14
31 Oct 14
0900
1800
Tour of Melbourne
Ladies match
31 Oct 14
31 Oct 14
1 Nov 14
1930
2130
1400
Men’s match
BBQ
Ladies Match
1 Nov 14
1 Nov 14
2 Nov 14
1530
1700
1400
Men’s Match
Social at Footscray Hockey Club
Ladies Match
27 Oct 14
28 Oct 14
29 Oct 14
Men’s Match
Ladies Match
Men’s Match
Ladies Match
Team building with ADF
Move to Melbourne
Arrive Melbourne
Remarks
Singapore airlines SQ321
From Singapore on SQ221
BIG Hostel
212 Elizabeth t, Surry Hills, Sydney, 2010, Australia
Room provided by Big Hostel
Delivered to Big Hostel
The David Phillips Sports Field, Daceyville NSW 2032,
Australia – Travel time approx 15 mins (10 km)
NSW/ACT Defence Side – The David Phillips Sports Field,
Daceyville NSW 2032
NSW/ACT Defence Side – The David Phillips Sports Field,
Daceyville NSW 2032
Harbour Cruise – Depart Circular Quay 1230 pm – 2.40 km
from Big Hostel
874 km – Approx 9 hour drive
Space Hotel
380 Russell St, Melbourne, 3000, Australia
Including beach at St Kilda – Team breakfast
Melbourne – Doncaster Hockey Club, corner of Reynolds
and Springvale Roads, Doncaster 26 Km approx 30 mins
(Doncaster East VIC 3109)
Melbourne – Doncaster Hockey Club
Hosted at Doncaster Hockey Club
VIC/SA Defence Side @ Footscray Hockey Club, McIvor
Reserve, Fogarty Avenue, Yarraville, Victoria 3013
VIC/SA Defence Side – as above
Footscray Hockey Club, McIvor Reserve, Fogarty Avenue,
Yarraville, Victoria 3013
2 Nov 14
2 Nov 14
3 Nov 14
1530
1700
0900
Men’s Match
Social at Footscray Hockey Club
Move to Sydney
Footscray Hockey Club
3 Nov 14
1900
Arrive Sydney
4 Nov 14
1000
Team building day
5 Nov 14
1000
1130
1400
1530
1900
0600
0905
1415
1500
Ladies Match
Men’s match
Ladies Match
Men’ match
Tour dinner
Depart hostel for Airport
Depart Sydney for Singapore
Arrive Singapore
Book into Hotel/hostel
BIG Hostel
212 Elizabeth t, Surry Hills, Sydney, 2010, Australia
Bondi beach/Sydney Opera House
Tour photo
NSW/ACT Defence Side - The David Phillips Sports Field,
Daceyville NSW 2032
NSW/ACT Defence Side - The David Phillips Sports Field,
Daceyville NSW 2032
Location TBC
Drop mini buses at Airport
Singapore Airlines SQ212
8 Nov 14
1400
(TBC)
Match (Ladies and Men’s)
9 Nov 14
0630
Remembrance Service
9 Nov 14
10 Nov 14
2345
0555
Depart Singapore
Arrive London
6 Nov 14
6 Nov 14
7 Nov 14
7 Nov 14
7 Nov 14
7 Nov 14
Coastal route 1100 km approx 14 hour drive
Five Stones Hostel - 61 South Bridge Road #02-01 (near
Hong Kong Street), Singapore – Nearest tube station is
Clarke Quay MRT (Journey time from airport 35 mins plus 5
min walk)
Singapore Cricket Club – Match at Delta Sport Complex,
900 Tiong Bahru Road 158790 (Nearest MRT Station is
Redhill) Travel time – Clark Quay to Redhill is 12 mins
Smart civilian clothes – transport from hostel provided by
High Commission
Singapore Airlines SQ322
ANNEX B TO
AGCHC/ExDT/PXR
Dated 5 Dec 14
Financial breakdown
Income
Personal contributions
BIBMTF
AGC Association
Army Sports Lottery
Flight tax refund
Total Income
Amount
£21900.00
£1000.00
£18080.00
£15000.00
£207.00
£56187.00
Comment
£750.00 per person)
Expenditure
Flights
Accommodation
Mini Bus hire
Damage to vehicles
Kit purchase
Harbour cruise
Pennants
Rehydration/fruit for games
Parking for vehicles
Fuel
Team kit laundry
First aid kit top ups
Team hosting Australia
Team building – Winery visit
End of tour dinner
Excess mileage/Insurance excess
Hydration/Fruit Singapore
Hosting Singapore opposition
Team breakfast
Coach to airport
Refund flight costs - Own way travel
Presentations
Currency loss on exchanges
Total Expenditure
Amount
£30624.00
£10328.03
£3453.69
£301.72
£5123.09
£1726.46
£181.22
£139.56
£83.34
£912.85
£85.67
£36.55
£255.87
£502.79
£703.13
£340.78
£55.40
£276.93
£228.35
£92.50
£427.00
£270.00
£38.07
£56187.00
Comment
£500 per person
Requested by Tour Doctor
Maj Sadler from BATUS
ANNEX C TO
AGCHC/ExDT/PXR
Dated 5 Dec 14
NOMINAL ROLL
Ser.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Number
557219
W1060201
30180018
W1032809
W0814316
30125689
30096899
W1041266
545671
30132940
30035990
543342
24652148
560210
25050725
558664
558654
W1052639
W1036280
30169278
30150494
30157664
W1056469
556256
30165930
W1060769
541581
W0828760
561071
30191661
Rank
Maj
Capt
Pte
SSgt
SSgt
Lt
LCpl
Cpl
Maj
Capt
Cpl
Lt Col
SSgt
Capt
SSgt
Maj
Maj
Lt
SSgt
Lt
Cpl
Pte
Cpl
Maj
LCpl
Cpl
Maj
WO2
Capt
Capt
Name
Warren Ginn
Charlotte Walsh
Nicholas Bull
Sarah Gibson
Joanne Townend
Hannah Lackenby
Emily Lewis
Donna Smith
Andrew Lowe
Sarah Peel
Gemma Highsmith
David Rutherford
Douglas Hamilton
Edwin Shianti
Alan Hood
Jennifer Agnew
Sarah Ballantyne
Katrina Geary
Zoe Robinson
Jonathan Powell
Joe Justice
Dwayne Lambert
Amy Crisp
Mark Sadler
Jack Harcourt
Jessica Shaw
Matthew Cann
Julie Hodgson
Katie Nelson
Thomas Russell