SEME is the training establishment for the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) and is based in Bordon in the UK. SSgt Nick Everitt of SEME was responsible for organising an arduous fund raising event in support of the victims of the Asian Tsunami. This is his story.
Immediately after hearing about the Tsunami disaster I wanted to do something to help and being a member of one of the largest trade training establishments in the British Army I knew we could make a difference. As soon as we returned from Christmas leave I got permission to organise the event, a 10,000km row using concept 2 rowing machines. The distance equates to rowing from Bordon in Hampshire, where we are based, to Banda Aceh one of the worst affected areas.
Ten machines were set up in a squash court and a 24 hour 5 day program laid out to keep the machines going. Everyone in SEME got involved from the Commanding Officer down to young Craftsmen of the corps, we even had civilian staff and families taking part, it was a real team effort.
The finish was televised on BBC South Today, and I decided that the money would be better spent helping Ex. Shrivenham Spirit as we would get to see exactly where our money was being spent.
Helping on Ex Shrivenham Spirit has also provided an opportunity for one of our own SEME craftsmen to travel to India and help out. Craftsman Day spent ten years building yachts as a civilian and has now joined REME to train as a vehicle mechanic. It is hoped that his vast experience of boat building will be of great value to the team. The remainder of the money raised, along with some money donated by the PRI has been used to fund his trip.
