"Well what a fantastic 4 days we had during the RAF St Mawgan Families Week. Organised by our Community Support Team on Station it gave the chance for families to get out and do some much needed bonding and quality time together. Blessed with fantastic weather we were certainly in for a treat. The first 2 days we were located down at Towan Beach, Newquay and were hosted by the Newquay Activity Centre (NAC). This great team produced first class instruction with plenty of enthusiasm and a dash of humour thrown in. Our first taste was to sample surfing of which I and many other families had not done before. With excellent tuition from the NAC staff, slowly but surely, we were all getting to grips with it. After a couple of hours, it was time to switch to body boarding. Once again, we were shown the techniques and top tips on successfully catching a wave. In no time everyone was mastering the art and it was a joy to see so many smiling faces as they came gliding onto shore. 

Day 2 was once again down at the NAC, where coasteering was on the menu. All kitted up with life preservers, wetsuits and helmets we headed off to just outside of Newquay harbour. Jumping into the water from various heights throughout really challenged many and some fears were duly faced. Once again it was great to see so many happy faces and hearing everybody's stories over lunch. After much needed refreshments it was now time to go back to surfing and further hone the skills we learnt the previous day. 

Thursday we headed off to the Turn to Starboard, a military charity based in Falmouth harbour and base ourselves on the schooner 'Spirit of Falmouth'. Greeted by the pirate Captain Bob  we were then treated to trips out on a sailing boat and a high-speed RIB. There were deck games and plenty of water being thrown about which kept the kids very amused. We were also treated to what I can only describe as the best pasty I have ever had!

Day 4 was the last day and we headed to Camel Creek Adventure Park. A great time was had by all, either going on rides or seeing the many different animals on show.

This really was a fantastic week and challenged my family whilst overcoming some fears at the same time. It was great to meet other families and to see so many happy faces.

These events were free of charge and this was an excellent way of bonding and brought us together as a family for sure." 

 - Sgt Chris Manning