Beers!

[chugnut7]

I'm off on a woodlore fundamentals course in June with a few friends and there is some debate among us as to whether we'll be able to chill out with a few beers at the end of the day. I'm in the 'yes we will' camp (Ray seems to enjoy the occasional beer!) , but the others disagree.

Can anyone who has been on the course enlighten us?

 

[Adi007]

If in doubt - ask!
However, I'd hazzard a guess at "no" because alcohol, fire, sharp things and a group of people who don't know one another could be a bad combination.

 

[chugnut7]

On the other hand, with knives safely stowed a few tins around the fire could oil the social wheels and help with bonding and team building. I hope they have a sensible approach to it.

 

[Stew]

I would have thought "a few beers" wouldn't be a problem!

 

[Tony]

You will probably find that on the last day in the evening you will down tools a bit earlier and the cans will come out. No one will be allowed to use tools and drink....But you'll have a good laugh and it will help you relax before your tests on the last day!

 

[chugnut7]

What time do things wind up on the last day?

 

[Tony]

probably after lunch to mid afternoon...

 

[max]

Hello

The best survival and bushcraft courses i've been on had strict no alchohol rules ( including 2 X Woodlore courses).

Everyone knew were they stood

Maxmountains

 

[chugnut7]

I see.

 

[C_Claycomb]

The rule that we were told for the Fundamental Course was, "No Alcohol". As hard as some people tried, they couldn't get any of the assistant instructors to drive them to the pub. lol.

On the second to last night though the instructors did come around with a beer for each person. By then it was pitch black and we were all spread around our leaf debris shelters. Not really a big chill around the campfire kind of thing.

The way it was done gave the feeling that it was a special treat. It was not something to be expected.

To be honest, thougth I don't really drink myself, if I had wanted to, I don't know when we would have had the time. They keep you pretty busy. Not much in the way of time to sit and chill with a beer. High summer might be different, more day light.

I wouldn't worry. There were some big beer fans on my course. None died from the abstinence, and all enjoyed the pint in the pub after the course finished all the more for it

chris

 

[Stew]

It was not something to be expected.

Allthough it will be now!
:-D

 

[Womble]

I asked this same question to Woodlore last year prior to going on the tracking course - just so as I'd know. their view is that alcahol should not be taken on their courses.

On the matter of chilling on the last night... You'll be getting a test on the last day so even if the ruling wasn't there I would have advised not drinking. The final day tests can be hard work (our was)!

 

[C_Claycomb]

Allthough it will be now!

Heh heh....but only if all the children behave themselves

 

[mercury]

Hmmmmmmmm cold beer in a damp forest

Cosy :shock:

 

[chugnut7]

Ice cold lagers on a warm summers evening...

 

[Rob]

I think it probably forms a good part of their Risk Assessment

If they are nice enough to give you a stubby to suck on, it will be what they supply, and they will make sure you aren't whittling or anything before you chug.

You probably won't time for beer anyway but you will enjoy you first one after a week out :-D

 

[chugnut7]

In case you were interested... there was no booze. The first night they handed out a bottle of Grolsh as a sort of ice breaker (before anyone got their hands on anything sharp) and that was it. On reflection probably a good idea with the number of nicks and cuts doing the rounds!

Two of the days it was 29 degrees plus so everyone was gasping (even the instructors!) but generally we were too shattered or busy to even think about beer. First pint back at the pub was heaven though!

An excellent course, one of the best things I've ever done, but a lot, lot harder than I thought. Getting a fire going with a bow and drill and meeting Ray Mears (who is a top bloke) were the highlights.

 

[Adi007]

Super stuff! Glad to hear you enjoyed it!