The +'s, great camaraderie, seeing the same people each year & catching up, (if you go back to the same sector), as a rookie you wont be left alone, maybe viewing from a spot the general public just cant, also giving a little back is a great feeling.

The -'s, you may have to assist in an incident, you need to stay on post whatever the weather, (no nipping the boozer for a warm leaving your post vacant (but you can swap with cover)), you cant take photo's or drink alcohol.

As other posters have said, don't be put off by giving it a try, you wont be asked to do anything you're uncomfortable with, there should be plenty of experienced people around, especially to deal with any injured riders/incidents.

Incidents are sometimes scary, but the sense of doing a good job at the end of them is honestly overwhelming, (as you see the helicopter fly off).

If you enjoy your taster in 2016, then sign up for an IMC when you get back, I personally think if you sign up and attend one before it could all seem a little daunting, as some of the things covered may seen out of context, however if you've already been on the ground you can see why they are done in the order they are.

Best of luck, and hope to have you in our ranks for next year.