With a highly dispersed workforce, it is crucial to Inzpire's team to spend time away from the office environment getting to know their colleagues. Our teams are encouraged to undertake development days; our Integrated Sensors and Systems Division made the most of this opportunity recently.
Ian Hartley, Inzpire's Mission Support Manager explains a little more about what the day entailed:
The thirteen strong Integrated Sensors and Systems Team is spread all across the UK with personnel supporting Typhoon operations abroad and developing the aircraft capabilities from bases in Abbey Wood, Coningsby and Inzpire HQ. With the expansion of the team, nearly doubling in the last year, it was decided that a development day was required to enhance the team cohesion.
Various ideas for a development day were discussed, from activities with pine poles to riding on Europe’s longest zip wire in Wales. However, we settled on a Clay pigeon shoot in North Yorkshire, and so began the ISS – A Grand Day Out, with optional flat caps at the ready.
On a bright sunny Monday morning, the ISS Team descended on to Warren Gills Shooting in North Yorks. After a safety brief and obligatory cuppa, the main question was asked by the Warren Gill staff; who has had any experience in Clay pigeon shooting? It was at this point Bob “The Professional” Burden explained that he had shot a few times… and had his own gun…… and had taken part in competitions, the main crown contender was discovered. There were a few more who had shot before, including Eric “Dead eye” Heap and Mikey “Shoot from Hip” Evans however, early odds seemed to be on for the complete novice of Bill “Ice Man” Brand for the ISS shooting crown.
After splitting up into 2 groups we had an hour or two of shooting practice, we were then given 25 cartridges for the competition, which included four different scenarios for us to test our prowess. Following the four scenarios and 24 cartridges we had a competition leadership battle, with Bob “The Professional” on 16 points and Bill “Ice Man” on 17 points. However a rule twist was created by the staff, the last cartridge would be worth 12 points, which coincidently would allow the current back marker, Mick Nadin, to take the lead. With everyone now back together for the last shot, Mick was up first for the last and toughest challenge; and a challenge that he conquered taking the lead of the competition. Following a few more people managing to hit the target and a lot more missing it, it was down to “The Professional” and “Ice Man” to complete the day; who would prevail I hear you ask? “The Professional” obviously; congratulations Bob, by the way the first round is on you.
With the shooting escapade over, it was time to go to the hotel which was nearby in the village of Masham. During the team debrief at the hotel, we found that out that two of the best breweries in the UK, Theakstons and Blacksheep, were in the same village; how strange!
Thanks to Warren Gills shooting, and the Kings Head Masham for their hospitality.
