During the weekend Saturday the 22nd October to Monday the 24th October 2011 Cadets from 2028 (Southam) Squadron went on a Silver D of E Expedition to the Mendips. The Cadets and Staff left the Squadron at 0900 hours on the Saturday to travel down to the Camp site at Broadway Park in Cheddar. The Cadets couldn’t believe their luck when they heard it was a Holiday Park with proper Shower facilities and close to the Cheddar Gorge. But reality dawned when they arrived in the Mendips about 1300 hours and were told to prepare for the first navigation walk. They soon got into the navigation realising that the first day’s route would take them to their camping site for the night so the inspiration to get it right was overwhelming! Once at the camp site the Cadets found the pitch and set up camp. Everyone then had a good meal, cleaned up and spent the rest of the evening chatting and resting ready for the next day. The weather on the first day was settled and dry.

The Sunday dawned at 0700 hours and after everyone had cooked breakfast they prepared for what would be a full day’s navigation. The Cadets set off on their first navigation at a steady pace up a steep inclining hill; by the time they were halfway, some of them were already tired and wanted a break but everyone managed to reach the top of the hill! From the top of the hill the Cadets navigated slightly off course but managed to get back on track. As the day progressed a good pace developed. After lunch everyone set off once again, reaching the highest point in the county where the Cadets had a 10 minute break to admire the view and have a snack. Once again everyone set off at a good pace and did good time for the last 5-6 kilometres. The walk was quite long and difficult on all the Cadets but once they reached the top of the yet another hill they grabbed a quick break and carried on, this time steeply down hill. The Cadets feet began to hurt but they carried on and seeing the staff thought it was all over, only to be told there was one more hill to go before they finally finished.

Monday was a cloudy but mainly dry day and with the tents and kit packed away the Cadets started walking at the same pace as Sunday but were surprised how long it seemed to be before the first check point. The Cadets were clearly relieved and really happy that they had made it, with a few hiccups along the way! They then began the long journey home, most of them falling asleep almost as soon as the bus moved off! Everyone agreed that the expedition was a great success, with the occasional navigational error keeping everyone focused. The result of the weekend was an achievement for all by qualifying for their Silver Expedition through sometimes physically demanding and mentally difficult situations. The combined efforts of teamwork and spirit of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award produced an excellent result.

Flight Lieutenant Moreton, CO of 2028 Squadron commented, “The Cadets have worked really hard over the last few weeks and months to reach this stage so achieving a ‘pass’ in the Mendips is great news for all of them. They certainly put in a tremendous effort to gain their Silver Expedition.”