Low Wood Watersports Centre was the scene of military action this week, with WWII vehicles and servicemen and women from Catterick Garrison. This was the big-hearted vision of David Forster, member of the North East Military Vehicle Club.
Amphibious Military Vehicle in front of Low Wood Bay Marina
Whilst watching a documentary in 2014 about Help for Heroes, David Forster, partially disabled himself, wondered how he could get involved and help injured soldiers. David is a member of the North East Military Vehicle Club and hit on the inspirational ideas of taking a fleet of their WWII Vehicles to the Lake District and inviting some of our ex-service men and women along for the ride.
WWII Vehicles at Low Wood Bay Watersports Centre
Supported by his wife, Doris Ann, and members of the Military Vehicle Club, David worked tirelessly to bring several elements together in order to make it happen. Needless to say, the folks at Phoenix House Recovery Centre at Catterick Garrison were delighted with the idea. There was no shortage of volunteers to join the procession of vintage war vehicles to the Lake District. Events like these are proven to help people transition back into the community, make new friends and reduce feelings of isolation.
This is the second year of David’s vision – and it has just got bigger and better. Approached to make an application to the People’s Project, David secured Lottery funding of almost £50,000 for an action packed two-day adventure, again in the Lake District Hotels. As well as the WWII jeeps, they are bringing vehicles involved in the D-Day landings and a DUKW amphibious vehicle.
Low Wood Bay Watersports are delighted to host the Heroes as they have a go at fly boarding, water skiing and open water swimming on Windermere.
The convoy will then roll out to Honister for a tour of the mine, and the Via Ferrata Xtreme for those with a head for heights. Rounding off the two-day event, they will take to mountain bikes around Whinlatter Pass and Forest.
Via Ferrata at Honister
David and Doris Ann, we salute you, and all the volunteers from the Military Vehicle Club that have given their time and resources to make this heroic Lake District event a reality.