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Original poster

To ask why the Army are at Wimbledon..?

51 replies

Limpopobongo · 14/07/2018 17:28

Just wondering..

OP posts:
HoleyCoMoley · 14/07/2018 18:15

If I was in the military and enjoyed tennis I would volunteer.

MarthaArthur · 14/07/2018 18:15

Obviously wimbledon is different, i was just trying to highlight that the military do loads of events as "volunteers" but they never actually volunteered.

4yearsnosleep · 14/07/2018 18:15

@Limpopobongo it's not a charity event. It's viewed as a treat to volunteer for Wimbledon as they get to watch the games, get up close to the players and love doing it. The drivel spouted on this thread is ridiculous.

MyBreadIsEggy · 14/07/2018 18:16

Martha Luckily i didn’t lose any money....just my will to live Grin and had to fork out way more than I usually would to feed myself! London prices are madness!!

BolleauxtoBankers · 14/07/2018 18:18

It's been going on since at least the Sixties and it is not security, it is a "treat" for those in the Forces who are interested in tennis. Nothing to do with police and Trump at all.

MarthaArthur · 14/07/2018 18:18

bread are you out or do you still live with the fear of being told to be security? Grin I couldnt face watching sports after that.

TheFairyCaravan · 14/07/2018 18:19

It’s been going on for years. One of DH’s friends did it when he was a single lad for about 10 years 20ish years ago.

DS1 was asked if he wanted to do a couple of rugby matches but he said no because he’s more of a football fan. I thought he was mad because it would’ve been a great experience, but what do I know?

mpsw · 14/07/2018 18:19

Sorry, I shouid have explained more.

All the personnel there are volunteers. But it is a properly constituted duty, and once they are selected for the role, they are under the appropriate orders.

They are not on a jolly, it is not being done without explicit approval of the CoC.

MyBreadIsEggy · 14/07/2018 18:21

Martha I’m out now - but DH is still serving.
We’ve just had to deal with 8 weeks of rehearsals for RAF100 and then the day itself (which was actually amazing!). He was coming home on Friday looking like he was ready to jump off the nearest cliff 😂
“If I hear the words “present arms” again, I’ll present arms into my own fucking face!” Grin

HoleyCoMoley · 14/07/2018 18:24

OP, it's the army, navy and air force tradition that goes back to the 2nd world war and many see it as an honour, read up about it on the wimbledon or gov.uk site, you'll also see that they got a standing ovation for the bravery they show in their jobs.

LilQueenie · 14/07/2018 18:25

To stop the Womble invasion Grin

LuluJakey1 · 14/07/2018 18:31

I think there is an allocation of tickets reserved for distribution to the Forces every year.

MarthaArthur · 14/07/2018 18:34

Haha the raf 100 was fantastic though. Great job to everyone involved. Wimbledon looks like a fun day to be there.

MarthaArthur · 14/07/2018 18:35

To stop the Womble invasion

Grin pesky blighters.

Bunnyfuller · 14/07/2018 18:37

All arms of the forces do Wimbledon every year, it’s nothing new.

The Armed forces are paid 24/7/365 so it doesn’t cost any more, you can apply to do it if you’re not required on more operational duty.

frankiestein401 · 14/07/2018 18:38

the olympics thing was because g4s failed miserably, sadly it hasnt stopped them getting other government contracts.

Bluelady · 14/07/2018 18:41

"The Army don't work weekends". OK, try telling my husband and his colleagues that, I can hear the laughter from here. 😂

SummerofDoom · 14/07/2018 19:20

Blue I was just telling that to DH who has just walked back in from duty 😂 he says he wished he'd known they didn't work weekends. The soldiers who are security at wimbledon are full time soldiers who have taken leave to volunteer. They are in uniform as it's an agreement with Lawn tennis association.

scaryteacher · 14/07/2018 19:23

It's also good PR for HM Forces to be on show.

museumum · 14/07/2018 20:54

It started in 1946 and the do it voluntarily as part of their annual leave allocation. Those who want to that is. Nobody is forced.

RunMummyRun68 · 14/07/2018 21:01

Op says 'just wondering'

No! No you weren't.... you know why op. Got a pot to stir and Just looking for an argument .....odd behaviour

ManyCrisps · 15/07/2018 03:50

Terrorism dumbarse

Palace2 · 15/07/2018 05:12

My df was in the Raf and was lucky enough to be chosen to be a steward at Wimbledon. He had a great time. Definitely not there as security though.

PlatypusPie · 15/07/2018 05:36

This disingenuous thread is the definition of looking for something to get offended about. @RunMummyRun68 has got it perfectly .

Original poster
Limpopobongo · 15/07/2018 14:42

But I am not offended. I asked the question because i saw people who were apparently members of the armed services ,standing around. I know they were not customers due to their locations and general stance.

I know very little about Wimbledon or indeed tennis save for that two people hit a ball over a net. I dont know the rules or anything and have only a passing interest in it.

As a result of a couple of responses and particularly the one with the web link , i have learned some useful information.

It did confirm what i had suspected i.e that its all about "the establishment".

OP posts:
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