(Sent in by John Clark. Rod Clarke ([email protected]) has high resolution files of these.)
The expedition module of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award took place in the Brecon Beacons, was arranged under the auspices of the CCF and was led by Mr M.G. (Maurie) Venn (whose write-up is below the photographs).
Centre three, L to R,
Arnell, Matheson and Williams, with ?Norton behind them. ? Member of staff and
chap on left.
The same crew plus two
more, eating canned rations. Is that Spring at extreme left?
Matheson apparently warms
his hand in the fire while watching someone wash his billy-can in the river.
Parents Union newsletter, March,1959.
ADVENTURE TRAINING
A new feature has been added to C.C.F. training in 1959 for senior cadets of all sections.
It may be said to comprise the logical fulfilment of all training preceding it, providing an opportunity for the cadet to practise the many skills he has acquired in a relatively short space of time.
In brief outline, it enables a party of cadets to carry out an expedition in " wild " country for a period of eight days. A given mileage must be covered, map-work and compass work must obviously be of a good standard, the ability to camp and develop an "eye" for country are of great importance.
This Easter a party from Harrow County will be carrying out such a scheme in Wales (if those of Welsh parentage will take the description "wild" as a technical adjective).
What will be the use of the scheme? In the first place, boys who live in an urban environment will be able to gain experience in one of the more beautiful scenery tracts of these islands-the Brecon Beacons. Natural phenomena, geographical, geological, etc., will be examined at first hand. Elementary surveying, as applicable to the task in hand, will be conducted.
An excellent opportunity to study military tasks in a mountainous area will result from the scheme, plus the satisfaction that derives from problems faced and problems overcome. There is no doubt, in such an area, that a realisation of physical capabilities and general toughening of the human physique and spirit will be a benefit to these young men.
Lastly, the opportunity to exercise leadership under conditions which require responsible leadership as opposed to mere utterance of orders will give every cadet a leader's task in these eight days, an experience which should stand him in good stead in whatever field of life he eventually finds himself.
The expedition will also enable cadets to qualify for the Duke of Edinburgh's award, competing against a given set of standards, while helping his fellows, a worthwhile target for any young man.
So far this description has covered laudable objects and aims in most schoolmasterly fashion - can the cadet enjoy himself?
Yes, if he enjoys being outdoors, in the company of his friends, if he has a sense of humour to sustain him through adverse weather conditions and minor setbacks in, the individual and group tasks, if he is cheerfully alive. These aspects have always been a matter of quiet pride in the British character, and there is no doubt that our boys possess this to the f ull.
The holiday spirit should be fully developed after a hard Spring Term-if well in evidence, the success of this first Adventure Training Expedition is assured.
M. G. VENN.