The last 5 days have been spent working with a group of 6th Form pupils from Oswestry School, preparing them for their Gold Duke of Edinburgh expedition. Out of the group of seven, several were direct entrants, whilst others had quite a bit of experience already. Those new to hill walking found themselves on a steep learning curve with a great deal to learn about … Read More »
CCF Inspection
Today was one of those days when you don't get much opportunity to gather your thoughts. I had two jobs on today, both of which were with cadets, but in different places. Oswestry School CCF had their biennial inspection today, for which a high ranking officer from the regular forces comes to see how training is conducted and, hopefully, to give their seal of approval. Oswestry … Read More »
Abseiling at Salomons
Today involved a long drive down to Kent to work for the Adventure Rope Course at their site at Salomons near Tunbridge Wells. It was my first visit down there and, other than the 10 hours of driving, it was a fantastic day and a great opportunity to see this venue. I was part of a team of a dozen outdoor instructors providing a team building … Read More »
3 Star Sea Kayak Training
Some call it professional development, some call it playing. Either way, this weekend was a great opportunity for me to learn some new skills in sea kayaks. The 3 star training course was held over 2 days, and based on Anglesey which is a favourite venue for sea kayakers due to the combination of its stunning scenery and complex tidal systems. After a very uninspiring start … Read More »
Exercise Shropshire Sweep
This was a 24 hour exercise for cadets from Ellesmere College CCF on the southern end of Nesscliffe Training Area in Shropshire. We have recently been teaching these cadets about orders, particularly the orders process and structure of formal orders. This exercise was designed to give the cadets the opportunity to receive orders, assess how best to fulfill their objectives and deliver their own set … Read More »
Cadet Weekend in Snowdonia
This weekend involved a trip to North Wales with cadets from Oswestry School CCF. Taking advantage of accommodation at Capel Curig Training Camp put us right on the doorstep of some fantastic terrain in which to enjoy a couple of days' hill walking, introducing many of the cadets to this kind of environment for the first time. Due to the winter conditions on many of … Read More »
Canoeing on Llynnau Mymbyr
I've just got back from running canoe sessions in Snowdonia for the the last two days. Students from University College Birmingham headed to North Wales for a few days as part of their Outdoor and Adventurous Activities unit, counting towards their BTEC in Sport / Sport and Exercise Science.
When I first arrived on Tuesday morning, the temperature was -6 degrees. The … Read More »
Thrillseeker Canoe Sessions
BBC learning and BBC1 have teamed up to promote a new initiate called Thrillseeker. The aim is to help thousands of people across the UK to experience adventurous activities for the first time, in the hope that more people will feel confident and knowledgeable enough to take their new interest further. I ran two canoe sessions this morning on The Mere in Ellesmere. Both groups were … Read More »
Nesscliffe Abseil
This morning was spent looking at different ways of setting up the big abseil at Nesscliffe. It has become one of the better known abseils for many miles due to it's size (approximately 45m) and impressive views across to the Breidden Hills, but one which I haven't spent much time working on in the past. However, with plans to make more frequent use of this … Read More »
Gullies on the Buachaile
Knowing I had an 7 hour drive home ahead of me to get home, we made an early start to our day on Buachaille Etive Mor. With a short walk in from the road, this is a great place to gain altitude and get in the snow quickly. At lower levels the snow was well consolidated, through freeze thaw, and it was surprising how soon … Read More »
