Page 115 - Mercian Eagle 2013

Ian Dudson CBE, Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire, presenting LCpl Leighton Walton (17) from Cannock with his NCS Certificate
other cadets from across the UK for a team test weekend and worked on a series of tasks and challenges that showcased their aptitude for leadership and team work. The Cadets were formally presented with NCS certificates signed by the Prime Minister
at Otterburn Training Camp by The Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire Ian Dudson CBE and were congratulated on their achievement by the Lord Lieutenant who reinforced the positive addition to their CVs and employment applications for the future.
Exercise Dragon Venturer Ecrin was held in the French Alps 27 July – 4 August. The exercise was a multi activity expedition with the aim of introducing sports climbing, Via Ferrata, VVT Mountain Biking, Trekking
and white water rafting to the Cadets
from Staffordshire and West Midlands
ACF, whilst also exposing them to the culture and cuisine of the Southern Alps. The expedition, 31 strong made up of 6 adventurous training instructors, 2 support staff and 23 Cadets aged between 13 and 17, travelled from Staffordshire to Guillestre in the Ecrin National Park, where a base camp was established at “Camping de la
The zip wire at Kielder Forest Lake was enjoyed by Adults and Cadets alike
Iscles” on the bank of the Durance River. From here the Cadets took part in planned activities of which some proved very demanding due to the heat and severity of the Alps, despite this everyone battled on. The white water rafting was undertaken on the first day due to an Alpine storm, heavy rain and strong winds. The decision was made to quickly re-arrange the day’s activities to take advantage of the rising water levels by rafting 20 km down the grade 3 Durance River from St Clement
to Embrum. The expedition finished on a high with the Cadets ascending the Pic de Escreins at 2734m high and following 11 hours on the mountain, everyone made it back to a well deserved evening meal and plenty of rest. Lt Col Richard Ayres said “We departed Staffordshire with 23 young teenagers and returned with 23 responsible and mature people who were a pleasure
to be around and work with”. Photographs can be found online at www.staffsacf.org The Corps of Drums working under the
direction of Lt Carina Spence has been ever active and represented the Army Cadet Force on many occasions at public
Cadet Grey Malik (13) from Cobridge shows he is enjoying himself with the 2 star group at Fiddlers Wood during annual Camp this year
and civil events. The Corps based in Site
4 MOD Stafford draw on Cadets from Stafford and the surrounding areas and
are actively seeking additional cadets and musically minded Adult Instructors who can help them continue to build on their past achievements.
Special thanks go out to “The Friends of the Staffordshire & West Midlands (North Sector) Army Cadet Force” who have been extremely busy fundraising during the year helping to provide direct financial support to the region’s Cadet Movement. This valuable support enables young people to develop their self confidence, their teamwork
and their citizenship through challenging adventurous, community, sporting and military activities.
Any person, male or female, who feels that they can assist our dedicated team
of Officers and Adult Instructors, please contact us on 01785 257804 during normal office hours. We look forward to hearing from you. Alternately visit our website www.staffsacf.org
C Company marching on to the drill square at Otterburn Training Camp (Annual Camp).
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