Last Updated: 21/04/2006

Easter 2006 Camp: Mallaig

On March 24 2006 18 cadets and 6 staff travelled to Mallaig, Scotland, for their Annual Combined Cadet Force (CCF) Easter Camp and set up base at the self-catering outdoor centre owned by adventurer, ex-paratrooper and SAS soldier Tom McLean. The Camp was led by Bill Dowling MBE, who joined the school as the contingent’s SSI after spending 25 years with the Royal Anglian Regiment.
 

Tom McClean is famous for being the first person to row single-handed across the North Atlantic Ocean and holds the world record for completing it in 54 days and for many other adventures which took him across the world.

The staff and cadets were met by Tom McClean and once the boat was loaded, four cadets set out by boat whilst the remainder walked 8 kms to the adventure centre in Ardingtigh on Loch Nevis.  The aim of camp was to introduce the cadets to micro-navigation, orienteering, basic climbing, abseiling and mountain walking.  The cadets were given a talk by Tom McClean on his various exploits including his record rowing and his occupation of Rockall for Great Britain.

Phillip Jones, Headmaster said: “This is an annual trip which the pupils eagerly anticipate, and is an ideal way for them both to bond with each other and experience outdoor life.  Bill’s enthusiasm for all things military and his commitment to cadet training makes this annual camp enjoyable and educational.

“Tom is truly inspirational. As he speaks about his extraordinary adventures he always expresses a strong motivating message: ‘If you think you can – you will’.”

The Camp ended with a long distance twenty-four hour expedition which goes from the sea level to 2000 feet and back down again.

On 29th March 18 cadets and 6 staff set out from Brecon in two minibuses with a large trailer and boat in tow 500 miles later they reached Fort William in the shadow of Ben Nevis where they spent the night. The next day we reached Mallaig and having loaded the boat proceeded to walk into Ardintigh where we were to spend the next week.

After the shock of no TV, Videos etc the week consisted of one day each climbing, mountain walking and boat tripping, then a two-day expedition. All enjoyed the week with plenty of stories to tell on their return on 6th April in the early hours of the morning.

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