T
his has been a busy year for
the CCF with many highlights.
In October Captain Peter
Belfield's dream came true for
the second year running. This
time under the leadership of
C/Sgt Tom Farrow, the Sir Steuart Pringle Trophy
team cruised to victory, winning five stances
during the two-day competition at Lympstone.
The team were supported by Lt Steve King,
whose past military experience was put to good
use training on Woodbury Common.
C/Sjt Hannah Cartwright (Army section) was
officially appointed a Lord Lieutenant's Cadet at
the annual ceremony in the Bishop's Palace in
Wells in October. She continues a long
tradition of successful nominees from King's.
The October overnight Field Day was blighted
by rain, so plans had to be hastily re-drawn.
On the Monday the Army had a good day at
Merryfield with 6th form NCOs leading stances
for the 4th form, and the 5th form cadre
perfecting section attack drills with Sgt Jones.
The Royal Marine section experienced the
Endurance Course on Woodbury and the Royal
Navy section sailed at Wimbleball. The
Chindits tested their pioneering and navigation
skills on the Quantocks, or tested themselves
on the high ropes course and the rafting lake at
Cobb's Cross Farm.
In November our Biennial Inspection was
carried out by Commodore Jamie Miller. This
is always a nerve-racking affair for all officers
and cadets alike. However, the Royal Navy
Guard of Honour did us proud and the Pringle
Trophy team demonstrated their drill skills.
A Royal Navy helicopter was organised from
RNAS Yeovilton, but unfortunately a 'red light
warning' put paid to flights for the cadets.
They eventually got a flight later in the year.
The good news is that the CCF was given a
clean bill of health - the Commodore was most
impressed.
A party of cadets and officers enjoyed an
excellent week of Adventure Training in the
Lake District at Easter. Captain Belfield's
programme includes sailing, rock climbing, hill
walking and mountain biking, and is fantastic
value for money - it would be good to see more
cadets opting for the camp.
In May we had our annual CCF Dinner to thank
our 62 NCOs for all their help and participation
in the CCF over their five years at King's. All
three of our Ten Tors teams successfully
completed their respective courses, with Tom
Farrow, Will Griffiths, Tom Sharp, Chris
Griffiths, Tom Drysdale and George Hall adding
the tough 55-mile challenge to their belts - the
latter four have now successfully completed all
three courses.
On Field Day in June the Royal Navy section
spent two days at the Sea Cadet Adventure
Centre in Weymouth, experiencing sailing on
the sea for the first time. The Royal Marines
went rock climbing and sea canoeing in North
Devon. The Army 4th form, under the
leadership of 61 NCOs, bivouacked for the first
time on the Caerwent Training Area, and had
an introduction to blank firing and section
attack drills the following day. Meanwhile the
Chindit columns swapped venues from earlier
in the year.
Aluredian
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