Back in April 2007 a team of 6 cadets and one staff member planned and carried out a Gold Duke Of Edinburgh expedition. Flt Lt Jo Gruchy, Squadron Commander & DofE Award Leader offered assistance but they were responsible for getting everything completed.
The team consisted of 3 completing Final Gold assessed expeditions and the other 4 completing their Gold Practise journeys. Our Gold assessor, Alan Hancock has assessed many expeditions from the Squadron, including Flt Lt Gruchy and Warrant Officer Dobson in years gone by! He was one again suitably impressed by the quality and preparation of the group and all were successful in completing their expedition which took them on a large lap round the Dark Peak area of Derbyshire, tackling Jaggers Clough, Kinder Scout and Black Hill along the way. They had superb weather which was quite unseasonal for the start of April, but the nights were still cold. Civilian Instructor Ben Sparkes, 21 from Bungay, Flight Sergeant Rob Miller, 17, from Thurlton and Sgt David Loveridge, 16 from Ditchingham, all completed the assessed walk. Three of the practise cadets are now in planning for their assessed expedition in the Yorkshire Dales in July, along with three other cadets.
Flt Lt Gruchy who trained and supervised the team said " they did a good job of organising the expedition and some of them are now joining me to help run expeditions for some of the other cadets so I can help them further build on their skills. The Gold expedition is one they'll remember for life"
Pic: Sgt David Loveridge, FS Robert Miller, Sgt Joey Barfe, Sgt Foggy Vincent, CI Ben Sparkes, Sgt Matt Miller, Sgt Gabby Wells prepare to leave for the first days walk.