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http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/TrainingAndAdventure/FanDanceHonouredByWelshBrewery.htm
Fan Dance honoured by Welsh brewery
20 Apr 06
One of the British Army’s most gruelling physical tests has been honoured by having its very own beer named after it.
The Breconshire Brewery, based in Brecon, mid Wales, have produced a specially commissioned beer to celebrate the famous Fan Dance. The Fan Dance was originally devised as a part of initial training for the Parachute Regiment’s Battle School.
Nowadays the exercise is a test run by the Infantry Battle School as a mandatory part of the training and selection for Section Commanders, Platoon Sergeants and Platoon Commanders throughout the Infantry. The Fan Dance also forms part of the selection course for UK Special Forces.
The 25km route of the Fan Dance starts at the base of Cefn Cyff and climbs up to the summit of Fan y Big. The route then follows around behind the peak of Cribyn, and ascends Jacob’s Ladder to the summit of Pen y Fan, the highest peak in the Brecon Beacons.
It’s then a downhill run to Storey Arms, across the road and up to the north of Fan Fawr, and then down into the Nant Valley. The climb up to Fan Dringarth involves each platoon carrying a stretcher laden with water jerry cans equivalent to the weight of a fully equipped soldier.
Once the ridge is reached, the route continues along the ridge of Cefn Perfedd over Fan Llia, and descends to the finish just on the far side of the Afon Llia. All of this is done wearing full battle dress and equipment, including weapons and ammunition, and should be completed within 4 hours. This all adds up to an astonishing test both mentally and physically, and ensures that the Infantry commanders who complete the course are indeed among the best in the world.
Captain Tim Grey, Officer Commanding the Course Design Cell Brecon at the Headquarters school of Infantry, explained how it came about:
"A few of us at the school were talking one day about the idea of having a beer named after the Fan Dance. I was speaking to Justin Grant at the Breconshire Brewery a few days later and happened to mention it.
"He agreed to produce a special beer and name it after the Fan Dance. I then explained that he could brew it but only on condition that he came down to the school and took part in exercise Fan Dance! He wasn't asked to carry the stretcher though, really he was just tagging along."
So how has the beer gone down, so to speak?
"It's been well received," explained Capt Grey. "We had a beer tasting night and it went down really well, quite literally. What we might do now is bottle some specially and award it as a prize to the student of the winning platoon."
Fan Dance the beer is brewed with water drawn from under the hills of the surrounding Brecon Beacons National Park, floor malted Optic Barley and a combination of fresh whole-leaf hops, all grown in the UK. The 4.3% abv beer is a bronze coloured brew, created using a pale, black and wheat malts and a blend of Progress and dwarf hops. A slightly spicy aroma leads to a gentle bitterness whilst the malty body shows a depth of character.
Photo 1)The Fan Dance beer logo
[Picture: Breconshire Brewery]
Photo 2)Fan Dance-tastic; the soldiers have to work hard to complete the Fan Dance, particularly during the stretcher carrying phase
[Picture: Army]
Fan Dance honoured by Welsh brewery
20 Apr 06
One of the British Army’s most gruelling physical tests has been honoured by having its very own beer named after it.
The Breconshire Brewery, based in Brecon, mid Wales, have produced a specially commissioned beer to celebrate the famous Fan Dance. The Fan Dance was originally devised as a part of initial training for the Parachute Regiment’s Battle School.
Nowadays the exercise is a test run by the Infantry Battle School as a mandatory part of the training and selection for Section Commanders, Platoon Sergeants and Platoon Commanders throughout the Infantry. The Fan Dance also forms part of the selection course for UK Special Forces.
The 25km route of the Fan Dance starts at the base of Cefn Cyff and climbs up to the summit of Fan y Big. The route then follows around behind the peak of Cribyn, and ascends Jacob’s Ladder to the summit of Pen y Fan, the highest peak in the Brecon Beacons.
It’s then a downhill run to Storey Arms, across the road and up to the north of Fan Fawr, and then down into the Nant Valley. The climb up to Fan Dringarth involves each platoon carrying a stretcher laden with water jerry cans equivalent to the weight of a fully equipped soldier.
Once the ridge is reached, the route continues along the ridge of Cefn Perfedd over Fan Llia, and descends to the finish just on the far side of the Afon Llia. All of this is done wearing full battle dress and equipment, including weapons and ammunition, and should be completed within 4 hours. This all adds up to an astonishing test both mentally and physically, and ensures that the Infantry commanders who complete the course are indeed among the best in the world.
Captain Tim Grey, Officer Commanding the Course Design Cell Brecon at the Headquarters school of Infantry, explained how it came about:
"A few of us at the school were talking one day about the idea of having a beer named after the Fan Dance. I was speaking to Justin Grant at the Breconshire Brewery a few days later and happened to mention it.
"He agreed to produce a special beer and name it after the Fan Dance. I then explained that he could brew it but only on condition that he came down to the school and took part in exercise Fan Dance! He wasn't asked to carry the stretcher though, really he was just tagging along."
So how has the beer gone down, so to speak?
"It's been well received," explained Capt Grey. "We had a beer tasting night and it went down really well, quite literally. What we might do now is bottle some specially and award it as a prize to the student of the winning platoon."
Fan Dance the beer is brewed with water drawn from under the hills of the surrounding Brecon Beacons National Park, floor malted Optic Barley and a combination of fresh whole-leaf hops, all grown in the UK. The 4.3% abv beer is a bronze coloured brew, created using a pale, black and wheat malts and a blend of Progress and dwarf hops. A slightly spicy aroma leads to a gentle bitterness whilst the malty body shows a depth of character.
Photo 1)The Fan Dance beer logo
[Picture: Breconshire Brewery]
Photo 2)Fan Dance-tastic; the soldiers have to work hard to complete the Fan Dance, particularly during the stretcher carrying phase
[Picture: Army]
