Recently cadets from 211 (Newbury) Squadron travelled to the Forest of Dean for an adventurous training weekend. The objective of the weekend was to complete areas of training for the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Expedition Section. Obviously with the DEA scheme, navigation is important within the expedition, and the cadets took it in turns to map read around the Symonds Yat area.

Cadets even got to experience the art of birdwatching at Symonds Yat Rock, watching Peregrine falcon as it caught a pigeon in flight. They also spoke with members of the RSPB about conservation work in the area.

Cadets also took enjoyed a visit to the local cave system at Clearwell, taking part in a 2 hour caving trip where they explored caves normally off limits to members of the public. The cades also learned about the local history of the area, and the caves which, until 100 years ago was a thriving iron ore mine.

The next morning the cadets took part in climbing at Symonds Yat, tackling a variety of challenging roots over the mornings activities.

One of the highlights of the weekend was the weather - moving from from a bright and sunny walk on Saturday morning for the navigation element, through to cold dark caves for the caving, and Sunday starting with a heavy snowfall which delayed the start of the climbing by several hours. The snow didn't, however, dampen spirits, as the cadets took part in snowball fights at the camp site.

The weekend was an undoubted success and similar events are now in the pipeline for the following months.

Cpl T. Hastings
Media & Communications Project