Skills and Disciplines You Learn at Sandhurst That Every Man Should Know

As well as a respect for authority, camaraderie and physical and mental strength, soldiers leave Sandhurst with many skills and disciplines that every man should know. Today's skill is the hyper-masculine art of lighting a fire without matches. 

How to light a fire without matches – No you probably wont have to use this skill very often but think how SAS you will look when and if you do. There’s a primal link between man and fire and a manly man knows how to light one without the aid of matches. It’s an essential survival skill as well as a way to impress. You never know when a situation will arise when you will have to step up to the mark and show your masculinity by whipping up a heart warming fire. Perhaps you go overboard on your yacht and find yourself washed up on a deserted island and your matches are too wet to use. Or maybe you are hiking in Yellowstone and you loose your rucksack in a scuffle with a bear. Whether or not you will ever need this skill it’s just damn cool to know you can start a fire, wherever and whenever you want.  This is one of many methods but this one doesn’t require flint, batteries or steel wool.

 Step One – Make a socket. The socket is used to put pressure on the top of the spindle as you are rotating the bow. It can be made of stone or wood. Sappy wood is preferable as it creates a lubricant between the spindle and socket.

Step Two – Make a bow. It should be approximately the length of your arm. Use flexible wood that can curve or is already slightly curved. The string can be made of anything that won’t snap easily – rope, shoe string or rawhide work well.

Step Three – Prepare the Fireboard. Cut a V shape into a piece of wood, creating a depression adjacent to it for your spindle to sit in. Hae the wood slightly raised off the ground, resting steadily on rocks or more wood. Place your tinder underneath the notch.

Step Four – String up the spindle. Catch the spindle on a loop of the bowstring. Place one end of the spindle in the fireboard and apply pressure on the other end with your socket.

Step Five – Start sawing. Using your bow, start pulling back and fourth. The spindle should be rotating as quickly as possible. Keep sawing until embers are created.

Step Six – Make your fire. Drop the ember into the tinder nest and blow on it gently. Well done sir, you’ve made fire with your bare hands. 

Hot Trotty

WINNER!! The fine filly of the month award could only go to the fantastic mare that is Black Caviar. 22 wins in a row, the latest of which took place at Royal Ascot 2012 with a photo finish today. Defending an unbeaten record and the winner of the Diamond Jubilee - Black Caviar is due to take a well deserved break from racing. You can expect to see a lot more of the coral and black dots. 

Events for Gents - Henley Royal Regatta June 27th - July 1st

England’s most famous river regatta started life as a carnival in 1839 and gradually evolved into a rowing competition. The course is one mile and 550 yards long and two boats compete per race; some days there are as many as 90 races. You can expect to see some truly formidable rowing, Olympians and club rowers alike, but after the trouble at this year’s Oxford/ Cambridge Boat Race, you will see increased security and tighter umpiring. You’ll also note some of the bizarre club members’ outfits.

The best way to enjoy Henley is from your own launch or rowing boat, if you don’t own one yourself it’s easier enough to hire from companies such as Hobbs of Henley. Another perfect opportunity to pack a brilliant picnic and put the Pimms on ice.

For a formal setting, head to the Stewards’ Enclosure but if you are looking for a more relaxed time The Regatta Enclosure has no dress code and you can expect to rub shoulders with the rowers and club members.  For an even more relaxed approach, there is public access on the towpath next to the Regatta enclosure, so you can take a picnic, wear what you like and watch without charge.

Dress code – The Stewards’ area has a very tight dress code for men and women alike. Gentlemen are required to wear lounge suits, or jackets or blazers with flannels and a tie or cravat. For the rest of the areas there is no official dress code, although most enter into the spirit of the Regatta, wearing club blazers and other rowing apparel.

Scents and Sensibility - Your Guide to the Best Products in Male Grooming

The One Sport Shower Gel £22

With the fresh patchouli and sequoia wood scents of the new Dolce & Gabbana aftershave you’ll feel clean and energetic after showering with The One Sport shower gel. The perfumed wash fuses aromas of the Mediterranean with top notes of rosemary and cardamom leaving you positive and upbeat. 

Cumerbatch Takes to the Catwalk

Actor Benedict Cumberbatch walked the runway with a beautiful model in tow at the Spencer Hart spring/summer 2013 catwalk show at Men's Fashion Week. A cigar a glass of whisky in hand Cumberbatch was the essence of suave. 

Events for Gents - Wimbledon The Championships June 25th -July 8th

As the world’s greatest grass tennis tournament, Wimbledon does not need an introduction. Nineteen emerald green courts, great transportation links from London and up -close interaction with the tears, tantrums and flung rackets of the tennis champions.

This year the Wimbledon Championship will be closely followed by the tennis Olympics but do not be alarmed, Wimbledon’s Wizard of the Lawn, Eddie Seaward has assured everyone that the grass will be as high a quality as ever for both tournaments. Retiring after what will probably be his most challenging year, with the hosepipe ban and busy calendar, Seaward assures us he is not about to sign off with sub-standard courts.

Dress Code - Smart casual for members' areas.  Jackets or blazers with a low -profile sun hat for sunny days and a waterproof with umbrella for classic English weather.