Twelve years on the forum

[Tank]

The other day I noticed it was coming up to 12 years since I first joined this forum which got me thinking about my journey.

It started with a friendly message from another member inviting a newbie to a meet for his first night out in the woods.
Not having any kit was not a problem as he arranged everything I would need for my first night, an old British army basha, a stinky British army sleeping bag (which I remember was from Martink9 or twodogs) and a sleeping mat.

For those that don't know this great man he is sadly no longer with us and will always be missed.

Andy2112


The guys must have been very welcoming as I was hooked and returned for more of the midland meets.
For a complete novices these meets were not only good fun but a more importantly a great way to pick up new skills and learn from the others experiences.



Every meet was well spent in great company, Summer meets, Winter meets


and even Christmas dinners in the woods.


Winter meets were always a favorite with many stories shared around the camp fire.


As much as I would like to have I didn't make it to all the meet....


Through this forum I have meet some of the most amazing and openly giving people that you could ever wish to meet. Giving in their time, knowledge and friendship.



Over time my skills and knowledge has developed

From this


To this


But the biggest change is from this

28st 7lb


To this 20stone and going down.


I have suffered with depression nearly all of my adult life, I was to overweight and I didn't have confidence to try anything. Going to the woods was my escape.

My weight and size was always an issue when camping out, it meant I couldn't do trips longer than a weekend and it was coming to a point where I was in pain to try and keep going when outdoors. I had the option to give up spending time outdoors or do something about my weight. Thankfully my connection with nature and the great outdoors was too strong and I knew I couldn't give on myself. So I didn't and I haven't

I have had help along the way but it all started with one message from a stranger on this forum.




Top tip 12 years in for new members... make connection, meet people, learn from each other and make time for friends.

Atb Tim

 

[Tank]

Some additional photos

 

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[Tank]

 

[Wayland]

I am amazed when I think about the changes in my life over the fourteen years I have been here too.

Great post.

 

[CLEM]

Great post and well done on dropping all that weight, no easy task. Keep on keepin on mate

 

[Damascus]

That’s got me thinking, been here a few years myself, great pictures

 

[crosslandkelly]

Brilliant post, and quite a Journey.
Made me realise I've been here 12 years myself, and have made a lot of good friends through the forum.

 

[oldtimer]

Brilliant post(s). You just provoked me to look up when I joined- September 2005! Might have to change my handle to oldertimer.

Gratifying to note that I don't look that much older, it must be retirement.

 

[FerlasDave]

What a great post. Lovely to bring back so many memories of all the years Ive spent with people here too. Andy was also the first person I met here and he really did take me under his wing, it was a privilege to know him and have shared some great times around the campfire with him.

 

[falcon]

A lovely story and some great achievements along with very fine people too

 

[Buckshot]

Some great memories there Tim
Well done,
brill post

 

[Toddy]

That was a good read and good on you for sharing the journey

Andy was one of those people that not enough of us met. He's still missed.

I think it was a very good thing that Tony did all those years ago when he set up the first forum. He said he just wanted to share some photos with friends he'd made on a course, and it quietly grew as folks connected and shared their own.

Twelve years is a heck of a chunk of life; it looks like it's been rich in friendship, growing skill set and a lot of experiences.

Here's to the next dozen

 

[JonathanD]

I remember your first meet. I came with Andy and brought you a Mora. In exchange you gave me some Badger Brewery Poachers Choice. Which I’ve been hooked on ever since.

Hopefully you will be at future meets and we can share a couple again.

Remember these…

 

[Tengu]

Wonderful to hear!

BCUK has made a big change in my life too; I used to be very shy and didn't do much; now I have more confidence and have been on a degree course, -with more to learn. I have made lots of friends and can even speak in public.

Still not much bushcraft skills though...

 

[Tank]

Remember these…

Thats funny as I looked at these photos today when trying to find old photos.

 

[Tank]

What a great post. Lovely to bring back so many memories of all the years Ive spent with people here too. Andy was also the first person I met here and he really did take me under his wing, it was a privilege to know him and have shared some great times around the campfire with him.

He was a good man, I felt like I was under his wing too.

 

[JonathanD]

Indeed. He is missed. It’s always emotional when I look back at old posts and see his avatar and status. Andy…..the hammocking genius…..Twang-Twang-Thump!

Twelve years is nothing though. John Fenna was here when people were typing in runes.

 

[Mesquite]

A very memorable journey Tim, well done and long may it continue

 

[Man of Tanith]

Apart from that tattooed oik in a tweed baseball cap you've kept some fine company Tim.

pleasure spending time round the fire with you, we need t sort out another get together