The 2021 Prince of Wales’s Expeditionary Award was presented by ACM Sir Simon Bryant at The Ulysses Trust’s 30th Anniversary event at Cadogan Hall on Thursday 28 July. The event was a celebration of the Trust’s 30 years of grantmaking during which it has supported over 40,000 reservists, university cadets and cadets to take part in challenging and adventurous expeditions in the UK and around the world.
The Prince of Wales’s Expeditionary Awards highlight the very best in leadership, challenge, courage and planning. The annual awards are selected each year from cadet and reservist expeditions supported by The Ulysses Trust, whose Patron is HRH the Prince of Wales. In previous years (under normal circumstances) each recipient receives a certificate which is signed by HRH The Prince of Wales.
However, for 2021 The Ulysses Trust’s Trustees decided that rather than presenting awards for best reserve, university cadet and cadet expeditions, only a single award would be made. The aim was to recognise the unit that showed the most tenacity when conducting an expedition in the face of very demanding Covid-related guidelines and requirements. The Trust team agreed unanimously that the winner of the 2021 Award should be No 2344 (Longbenton) Squadron, Air Training Corps, for Exercise Artemis MMXXI. The unit showed an outstanding level of determination to ensure that the cadets had a great UK expedition, despite having to deal with a raft of requirements stemming from the pandemic.
The Ulysses Trust’s Chairman, AVM Nick Kurth CBE FRGS said, “It should not be lost that 2344 (Longbenton) Sqn ATC came out in front of all reserve, university cadet and cadet units with their tenacity to provide an expedition experience for their cadets. Indeed they were particularly keen to ensure that the cadets did not miss out despite the very challenging COVID rules and guidelines.”
Squadron Officer Commanding, Flight Lieutenant Gary Richardson, commented, “The young people showed grit, determination, and ambition to complete their expeditions. Getting outside again was so important to them for many reasons and their resilience is a testament to them. To have the character, tenacity and drive recognised by the Trustees, through the Prince of Wales’s Award, is very special and something that was totally unexpected. I sincerely thank The Ulysses Trust and RAF Charitable Trust for this life-changing opportunity.” It should be noted that this expedition was supported by an RAF Charitable Trust grant of £6,840 awarded to The Ulysses Trust.
As well as the award presentation the Trust welcomed special guests, supporters and members of its volunteer team to Cadogan Hall for an evening of entertainment and celebration. The venue was provided courtesy of one of the Trust’s Vice Patrons, Viscount Chelsea, who unfortunately was not able to attend the evening due to illness. Guests were greeted by cadets from 282 (East Ham) ATC Sqn and 56 (Woolwich) ATC Sqn who provided musical accompaniment throughout the evening.
Although the Trust’s Patron, HRH The Prince of Wales was unable to attend the event, he wrote a special message for attendees, which was read out during the proceedings.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, as Patron of The Ulysses Trust, I particularly wanted to send you all a short message of support as you gather at Cadogan Hall to celebrate the Trust’s 30th Anniversary.
“In the intervening thirty years the Trust has provided support for so many within our Cadet and Reserve Forces through a variety of challenging expeditions and adventurous activities. The characteristics which are developed through such experiences continue to demonstrate real value, not only to the Armed Forces, but society at large.
“Our nation’s Reserve Forces and Cadets remain a vital investment in the future of Defence, which I do hope signifies the importance of the work undertaken by the Trust. I need hardly say that I was greatly heartened to learn that activities have now resumed after the restrictions of the last two years.
“This evening marks another impressive milestone and I want to take this opportunity to thank each of you for attending, as well as for your continued and unceasing support to the Ulysses Trust.”
HRH The Prince of Wales | Patron
The Ulysses Trust welcomes applications from Cadet, Reservist and University Officer units seeking financial assistance for their own expeditions. The Trust also welcomes donations to help support others to benefit from these life-changing experiences. Find out more or make a donation via www.ulyssestrust.co.uk
