Marham cadets' first taste of camp life

CADETS from the newly-formed 864 (Marham) DF Air Training Corps have had their first taste of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, taking part in a weekend expedition on the north Norfolk coast.

CADETS from the newly-formed 864 (Marham) DF Air Training Corps have had their first taste of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, taking part in a weekend expedition on the north Norfolk coast.

As part of their training for the Bronze award, they walked a total of 25km (15.5 miles) over two days, carrying full packs. On the first day, they navigated their way from Burnham Deepdale, via Brancaster, and Thornham to a campsite at Holme-next-the-Sea, along the paths and through the dunes of the north Norfolk coast.

At Holme, they pitched their tents and cooked a meal, using camp craft skills learned in their training. After a night's rest and cooking breakfast, they continued their route along the Peddar's Way via Ringstead and Fring to Bircham Newton, where they were glad to rest their aching feet.

For some of the cadets it was their first time camping and judging from their smiling faces, they all enjoyed it thoroughly. The most asked question was: 'When can we do it again?'

Commanding officer, Flt Lt Tony Hall said: 'For first-timers they performed extremely well. I expect them to have qualified for their Bronze Award before the end of next year.'

Boys and girls from the age of 13, living in and around the Marham area, who are interested in joining the Air Training Corps, should contact Flt Lt Hall on 01366 377127 or 07900 518153