We are excited to share news of the newly forged partnership between the Sandhurst Trust and GRS, a distinguished leader in the building industry. Renowned as the foremost provider of bagged aggregates in the construction sector, GRS delivers a staggering 100,000 bags daily.

With a workforce exceeding 800 individuals, the company is committed to employee growth through initiatives like the GRS Academy, designed to train and enhance skills. The GRS Academy makes extensive use of the facilities at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst as one of the Sandhurst Trust's corporate business clients.

GRS has kindly agreed to sponsor the sailing expeditions that take place at the end of each term as part of the Adventurous Training (AT) programme.  Adventurous Training (AT) is an important factor in the development of Officer Cadets at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Designed to take them out of their comfort zone, AT goes beyond physical activities; it instils qualities and skills essential for military leadership and personal development.

Expeditions to date:

Exercise Jolly Roger

All in all, a great trip with some great memories. What started as a motley bunch somehow ended with 5 competent crew qualified sailors. Thank you to the Sandhurst Trust and GRS for their sponsorship.

Exercise Shipwrecked

We didn’t capsize, but did snap the jib halyard out at sea and had to send OCdt Suka forward for some very Master-and-Commander-esque moments to reattach the sail to another line.  The week was rounded off nicely with the sun making a last minute showing to watch us swab the decks, clean up, and take a celebratory survivor’s photo. A big thank you to GRS for sponsoring our expedition.

Exercise Salty Dog

We had sailed 194 miles in 5 days, we were very glad to have pushed ourselves to do more as it would have been easy to stay close to Gosport and do shorter legs. The trip has left us all keen to do more sailing, as well as sample other AT on offer from the Army. It has also highlighted how important AT will be for our Platoons/troops and how it can build teams and confidence as well as provide experiences and memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you to GRS for sponsoring us.

Exercise Christmas Crusing

Waking bright and early, day two began with lessons from OCdt McMenemy on dodging ferries and with OCdt Sutton strategically placed far away from any ropes on tiller duty, we gradually beat our way up the Solent. Facing winds of up to 27 knots, we finally arrived at Lymington some four hours later. Thank you to the Sandhurst Trust and sponsors GRS for supporting our expedition.

Exercise Solent Express

Navigating the Solent in winter is like playing chess with a hyperactive octopus. The crew discovered that balancing on the deck resembled a drunk walk back from Guildford, and each sudden tilt of the ship prompted a synchronized dance routine that would make any Broadway choreographer jealous.Somehow we survived and, thanks to the generosity of the Sandhurst Trust and GRS, thrived on the trip. 

Exercise Solent Sea

In summary, we all thoroughly enjoyed Ex Solent Sea Cadet as it taught us; numerous new skills in a domain none of us had previously experienced, to bond as a team especially during times of stress, and to put our learnt leadership and managerial skills to practice. On behalf of my crew, I want to thank GRS and the Sandhurst Trust for making this possible.

The Sandhurst Trust

The Sandhurst Trust is a self-funded charity, generating income to sustain the work of the charity through: Membership Fees, Shop Sales, Corporate Event Revenue, Historical Tours, Alumni Community & Networking and Corporate Sponsorship.

For representatives from other companies keen on learning about our corporate sponsorship programme, please contact Vaughan Kent-Payne at director@sandhursttrust.org