By Major Andy Pilling, Company Commander No 1 (Minden) Company
No 1 (Minden) Company had the opportunity to take part in a Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award Expedition with support from the Army Cadet Charity ACCT UK and a grant from the “Lest Get Bury East Moving” supported by the Bury Voluntary Community & Faith Alliance.
Army Cadets through their time with the ACF will take part in activities that will give them confidence in their own abilities, whilst pushing themselves personally and physically. Sometimes to their limits and beyond. Working as individuals and as a team they support each other. One activity that pushes cadets, also giving them a qualification to be proud of is participating in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.
Over a recent weekend 22 Cadets from No 1 (Minden) Company along with supporting adults departed from Manchester to the wilds of Northumbria. Even though one minibus had a flat tyre, only miles from is departure. The teamwork of the County staff came into action and the cadets set of. Arriving late and tired they went straight into their tents to rest ready for the first day of walking.
After breakfast the cadets packed all their equipment and set off walking. Part of the route was crossing the historic Hadrian’s Wall. Along the way stopping for lunch. All meals being previously planned, and all their food carried by the cadets.
After a long hard day of navigation, weather conditions and the Northumbria countryside the Cadets made their evening meal and had time to relax and enjoy the beautiful location.
Sunday, after a windy night the cadets packed everything and continued on their planned navigation route. Visiting the site of a Roman Fort and the site of the cut down tree.
On completion of the day all the cadets had succeeded in the event. All down to planning, teamwork and self-belief, they could do it.
Driving back to Manchester the cadets had the chance to rest and reflect on the weekends experience. An experience that being an army cadet makes possible.
The weekend was generously supported thanks to grants obtained from ACCT UK who paid for 6 sets of DofE equipment to be used by cadets and from a grant supported by Bury Voluntary Community & Faith Alliance. Without such help these weekends would not be possible.
