1248 (Prudhoe) Squadron

On a sunny but chilled Saturday in October six Prudhoe cadets set off on their Duke of Edinburgh Expedition. Under the cover of an Apache gunship and heavy artillery from the British and Dutch Army they headed in a different direction.

 One of their aims was to navigate and walk for seven hours over the hills of Alwinton and end up coming down Copper snout, to reach Clennell Hall, to find the camp site.

As well as their heavy packs, they were armed with a flower book and a camera.
This book was needed so our six brave souls could keep their eyes peeled not only for the walk but on the flowers they passed. The camera was needed to record the journey and to be used for presentation which would follow the expedition.

Day one ended as well as it had begun all cadets in good spirits with no first aid problems. Phew! Tents set up in rapid time to get the tea on, and some amazing concoctions were prepared that even Gordon Ramsey would be impressed with.
An early night was planned after a long day with more to come tomorrow.

 Day two and the sun still shone on the troop once more, bags packed and much lighter after tea and midnight snacks.
Not as many hills today on the walk but no less challenging more navigation on rarely used paths, inquisitive cows and sheep to walk round.

 The team always keeping moral high keeping each other going when the end is near, even finding time to come up with their own code system as not to scare the animals “keep off the grass” means team slow down, “run like the clappers” team speed up and “I’m just popping to the shower” well can you guess?
All six made it to the finish point, they and the camera exhausted.

A tough Bronze Expedition but as always Perfect Navigation and Perfect 1248 Cadets.

By Sgt (ATC) D Levee

One of our cadets, Whitehead, recently went to Wales to participate in an RAF summer camp.

She took part in activities such as shooting on the powerful L98 A1, a helicopter simulator and more everyday activities like going to the cinema, bowling and a disco!

On campus there were many facilities and places to visit. Whitehead got to go and see aircraft such as the Hawks and the Sea Kings and took part in section visits to various RAF work areas.

Also on site there was a pub (where you can get 60p coca colas!) and where she got to go bowling for free! Whitehead also visited two of the search and rescue sections. These were the Sea King SAR unit and the lifeguard centre near by.

Whitehead had a fun week and came home tired, but happy.

By cadets Whitehead and Allsop.