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Ulysses Trust 20th Anniversary

The Ulysses Trust celebrated its 20th anniversary by presenting awards to cadet and reserve forces who have benefited from its grants, for the best expedition and the best expedition photograph in each category. These four awards were kindly sponsored by the Adventurous Training Group (Army). Among the winners were a Glaswegian Army Cadet who took

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‘Northern Toubkal Serpent’ – Morocco, High Atlas Mountains

Fourteen members of 201 (Northern) Field Hospital (Volunteers) took part in an expedition in the High Atlas Mountain Range (Morocco) with the ultimate aim of reaching the summit of Mount Toubkal at 4167m. We were accompanied by a local guide and members of the Moroccan Army. During the 10 day trek there were opportunities to

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Expedition Reports 2011/2012

In 2011/12, the Ulysses Trust supported 82 expeditions involving 1427 VRF and Cadet units members with a total of £152,000 financial assistance to challenging locations such as Greenland, India, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Central Asia, the Far and Middle East, Nepal, South America, Iceland and several European countries.

Expedition Reports 2011/2012 Read More »

1378 – ‘Northern Gibraltar Stallion’ – Gibraltar

This adventure training diving expedition promised to be both challenging and unusual for the members of 4YORKS taking part. The Warriors were (unusually) led by an all female Sub-Aqua Diving Supervisor (SADs) and Deputy SADs team, Sophie Rennie and Lynn Forsyth, who between them had 2500+ dives experience and previous Gibraltar diving site local knowledge.

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1436 – ‘Ama Denali’ – USA, Alaska Range

In June 2013 all eight climbers of an Army Mountaineering Association team successfully summited Denali via the West Buttress route. The team comprised four regulars and four reservists who had been selected from an army-wide trawl and subsequent training weeks in JSMTC Ballachulish, Scotland, and an exercise rehearsal in Saas Fee, Switzerland. This trawl looked

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1441 – ‘Tiger Ventura Nowshera’ – France – Ariege, Midi Pyrenees

For the cadets and student PIs of Gloucestershire College’s Army Cadet Force Company, the end of May is the highlight of the year. Over the past 5 years, this has become the time for the traditional year-ending expedition to the Pyrenees in the south of France. This is a 12-day expedition providing the culmination of

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1404 – ‘Aquatic Endeavour’ – Island Of Gozo, Malta

During 8-15 April 2013, Cambridge University Air Squadron deployed to the Island of Gozo, Malta, to undertake an intensive 1-week course of British Sub Aqua Club dive training. 13 students, accompanied by 3 instructors participated in the Exercise, with the bulk of the planning and logistics undertaken by the students. Student responsibilities ranged from co-ordination

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1423 – ‘Welsh Dragon – Gold’ – Elan Valley, Mid Wales

In April 2013, 24 Cadets and Staff from 82 (Wandsworth) Squadron and several other Squadrons in London Wing ATC, travelled to the Elan Valley in Wales, to undertake the Expedition Section of the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards. Two teams completed their Expeditions and a group of younger cadets completed a Multi activity week. Also

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1435 – ‘Devizes to Westminster Canoe Marathon’ – Wiltshire, London

Saturday 30th March marked the start of the Devizes to Westminster Canoe Marathon for members of Southampton UOTC. Unknown to the crew, it would be the coldest, most gruelling conditions ever seen in DW history. The DW race involves kayaking 125 miles from the quaint town of Devizes in Wiltshire to Westminster Bridge, London and

1435 – ‘Devizes to Westminster Canoe Marathon’ – Wiltshire, London Read More »

1383 – ‘Northern Jacobite Venturer’ – Scotland, Mammores

High winds, high plateaus, high adventure (but low water and creative instruction) maintained the ambitions of Ex Northern Jacobite Venturer (Ex NJV). Our now annual Scottish exploit is in it’s 6th year and is successfully delivering all five phases of a cadet’s five year development plan. Exercise Northern Jacobite Venturer is a multi activity week

1383 – ‘Northern Jacobite Venturer’ – Scotland, Mammores Read More »

1428 – ‘Caribbean 600 Campaign’ – Antigua, Caribbean

Three officers from the Royal Yeomanry took part in the February 2013 Caribbean 600 offshore yacht race as part of a Royal Armoured Corps crew of eleven. The event comprised 50 boats navigating a non-stop 600-mile course from Antigua around the islands of the western Caribbean. Unlike the other crews who were almost universally experienced

1428 – ‘Caribbean 600 Campaign’ – Antigua, Caribbean Read More »

1396 – ‘Cadet Odyssey’ – South Island, New Zealand (Fjordland, Mt Cook)

Twelve cadets and staff have just returned from a Sussex Wing ATC led expedition to South Island, New Zealand, made possible thanks to a year of planning and fund raising activities, and the generous support of among others the Ulysses Trust and the Singleton Trust via HQ Air Cadets. The expedition aims to give senior

1396 – ‘Cadet Odyssey’ – South Island, New Zealand (Fjordland, Mt Cook) Read More »

1387 – ‘Canford Norwegian Venturer Tiger’ – Norway, Hovden

Objectives: to introduce the art of cross-country skiing and winter survival to seventeen cadets and thereafter complete a three day expedition overnighting in a snow hole on at least one of the nights. Location: Hovden, Norway Dates: 16th – 24th February 2013 Participating personnel: Seventeen cadets, two Canford staff and three instructors care of Goadventure1

1387 – ‘Canford Norwegian Venturer Tiger’ – Norway, Hovden Read More »

1394 – ‘Bintumani Spirit’ – Sierra Leone

Exercise Bintumani Spirit took place in February 2013 in Sierra Leone, West Africa. The expedition consisted predominantly of regular Royal Corps of Signals personnel, but we were joined by Capt Clare Bliss of 243 (V) Field Hospital who came to provide essential medical support. Exercise Bintumani Spirit was an innovative AT expedition, especially given its

1394 – ‘Bintumani Spirit’ – Sierra Leone Read More »

1392 – ‘Shenkin Dragon’ – Northern Cairngorms, Scotland

In recent years, 3 Royal Welsh have conducted their annual skiing on the continent as sport, and their winter mountaineering in Scotland as Adventure Training. Ex SHENKIN DRAGON was an attempt to box clever, provide better and more varied training, make better use of planning effort and to minimise the costs to participants. On all

1392 – ‘Shenkin Dragon’ – Northern Cairngorms, Scotland Read More »

1371 – ‘Phoenix Dragon’, France – Massif et Park National de la Vanoise

Ex Phoenix Dragon is the annual Ski training package for 101 Force Support Battalion, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. Taking place in January each year it aims to expose soldiers, young and old to the mountain environment in physically testing conditions to develop their leadership ability, their self knowledge and physical determination. So it was,

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1382 – ‘Dragon Venturer Falklands’ – Falkland Islands

Oakham School CCF cadets have taken part in the first-ever Duke of Edinburgh expedition to the Falkland Islands. After two years of planning and the co-operation of Commander, BFSAI, alongside the valuable support of the Ulysses Trust, nine cadets took part in the once-in-a-lifetime trip to successfully complete their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award on

1382 – ‘Dragon Venturer Falklands’ – Falkland Islands Read More »

1270 – ‘Kalapathar Tiger’ – Everest Base Camp, Nepal

Captain Jonathan Slegg and Colour Sergeant Dipak Kaucha (ex Royal Gurkha Rifles) recently organised and undertook a High Altitude Army Expedition to the Everest region. The aim was to conduct a Summer Mountain Foundation course, providing soldiers from the 3rd BN Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment exposure to, and an understanding of, a foreign culture

1270 – ‘Kalapathar Tiger’ – Everest Base Camp, Nepal Read More »

1296 – ‘Northern Venture Caldian Rock’ – Gibraltar

In October 2012, a tri-service group of cadets from Calday Grange CCF travelled to Gibraltar to take part in Exercise Caldian Rock. The aims of the exercise were: To undertake a range of adventurous-training activitiesTo learn about Gibraltar and its historical significanceTo work with cadets from other sections of the CCF The trip started early,

1296 – ‘Northern Venture Caldian Rock’ – Gibraltar Read More »

1330 – ‘Northern Freedom Trail’ – Midi Pyrenees – France & Spain

After many months of research and planning, 9 Cadets and 3 Adults departed Manchester Terminal 3, on Friday 19th October 2012 on the start of an Adventurous Training Expedition, that was to test the cadets as they retraced the footsteps of ‘downed allied airman’ as they crossed the Pyrenees to freedom. The route is known

1330 – ‘Northern Freedom Trail’ – Midi Pyrenees – France & Spain Read More »

1343 – ‘Ja Strokers’ – Canada, Petawawa River, Algonquin

The University of Wales Air Squadron embarked on a canoeing trip on the Petawawa River in Algonquin Park, Canada. The aims of the trip were to accelerate the development of the University of Wales Air Squadron members by placing them in both physically and mentally demanding situations. Following the personal development theory of the Comfort,

1343 – ‘Ja Strokers’ – Canada, Petawawa River, Algonquin Read More »

1348 – ‘Tiger Trail’ – Normandy

On 21st September 2012, fourteen members of Southampton University Officer Training Corps (SUOTC) embarked upon Exercise TIGER TRAIL, an adventurous training expedition mountain biking in northern France. The aim was to develop leadership, navigation and ground appreciation skills in an unfamiliar environment whilst conducting arduous physical activity and the Normandy region presented plenty of opportunity

1348 – ‘Tiger Trail’ – Normandy Read More »

1241 – ‘Shrivenham Dolomia’ – Fontinbleau & Cortina

On 8th August 2012 12 members of Thunderer Squadron, 3 members of Typhoon Squadron and 1 external Southampton University air squadron instructor met bright and early at 4am ready to depart for a two week rock climbing and via Ferrata expedition. The expedition aims were to enhance leadership, teamwork, provide an introduction to rock climbing

1241 – ‘Shrivenham Dolomia’ – Fontinbleau & Cortina Read More »

1299 – ‘Northern Alpine Wanderer’ – France, Italy, Switzerland

Exercise Alpine Wanderer was a trekking expedition, through southern France, Italy and Switzerland, for one Officer, ten Officer Cadets, and two regular soldiers. The aim of the exercise was to increase the navigational skills, physical robustness and experiences of those deploying, in order to build self confidence and team work. All these aims were achieved

1299 – ‘Northern Alpine Wanderer’ – France, Italy, Switzerland Read More »

1302 – ‘Northern Yorkshire Splash’ – Ascension Island

This expedition had all the ingredients of a fantastic Adventure Training experience from day one. The SADS (Sub-Aqua Diving Supervisor)/instructor team arrived with a combined experience of 15+ previous Ascension Islands (ASI) expeditions and over 4000 dives to draw on. Much of the experience was down to the SADS team alone: Tim Butt and Sophie

1302 – ‘Northern Yorkshire Splash’ – Ascension Island Read More »

1308 – ‘West Coast Challenge’ – Scotland – West Coast

The West Coast Challenge offshore sailing expedition left the port of Oban on the 6th August 2012 for a demanding seven days sail-training in the waters around Scotland’s Western Isles on board the Ocean Youth Trust Scotland 72′ Challenge yacht, Alba Endeavour. The crew was comprised of senior cadets, all aged 18 years or above,

1308 – ‘West Coast Challenge’ – Scotland – West Coast Read More »

1333 – ‘Introduction to Alpine Mountaineering (IAM)’ – Alpes Pennie, Switzerland

This course was introduced four years ago to provide selected Cadet Force Adult Volunteer instructors and Senior Cadets (17+) the opportunity to utilise skills acquired on CCAT UK mountaineering and rock climbing courses and to give them experience in an Alpine mountain environment along with altitude. The aim is to develop and broaden participants mountaineering

1333 – ‘Introduction to Alpine Mountaineering (IAM)’ – Alpes Pennie, Switzerland Read More »

1337 – ‘Cockney Venturer Invicta’ – Snowdonia National Park

Just before dusk on Friday 24th August 2012 a contingent of excited and enthusiastic cadets, from Greater London South East Sector, and adults arrived at Capel Curig Training Camp for a week’s worth of challenging and adventurous activities. They arrived with the aims ‘to successfully complete a Summer Mountain Foundation course for Cadet Force Adult

1337 – ‘Cockney Venturer Invicta’ – Snowdonia National Park Read More »

1264 – ‘Arctic Odyssey – Finnmark (BSES)’ – Norway (Nuvsvag Peninsular)

The Youth Development Charity and expedition organisation British Exploring Society runs yearly expeditions to a range of wilderness environments, from jungle to extreme arctic, which are open to 16-25 year olds. The expeditions have a strong scientific element, as young explorers take a proactive role in research of the wilderness by gathering data and taking

1264 – ‘Arctic Odyssey – Finnmark (BSES)’ – Norway (Nuvsvag Peninsular) Read More »

1265 – ‘Amazon – Cocama (BSES)’ – Peru – Cocama

With over a year’s worth of waiting, fundraising and general preparation the 20th July finally arrived. I, along with the rest of my fire left Heathrow airport and travelled via Madrid to Iquitos, Peru. Even though we knew the climate and conditions would be extreme, nothing could have prepared us for the tropical warmth, mosquitoes

1265 – ‘Amazon – Cocama (BSES)’ – Peru – Cocama Read More »

1275 – ‘Northern Himalaya Venturer’ – Nepal – Jiri to Kalla Pattar (Everest Viewpoint)

The Reserve Forces and Cadets Association for Yorkshire and The Humber organises a bi-annual expedition to the Himalayas for the cadet forces of all three Services. The expeditions are sponsored and supported by the Yorkshire Cadet Trust, in particular for fund raising. In 2012, the expedition was a repeat of the expedition of 2008, a

1275 – ‘Northern Himalaya Venturer’ – Nepal – Jiri to Kalla Pattar (Everest Viewpoint) Read More »

1329 – ‘Northern Dolomite Medics’ – Dolomites

This Adventurous Training (AT) exercise was conceived, organised and run by Reservists within 212 (Yorkshire) Field Hospital (V), a Territorial Army Unit based in Sheffield and recruiting largely within Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire. The aim was to allow two members of the unit to gain the Rock Climbing Foundation (RCF) qualification, and up to six members

1329 – ‘Northern Dolomite Medics’ – Dolomites Read More »

1252 – ‘Bolivian Venture’ – Cordillera Real, Bolivia

Exercise Bolivian Venture was a Defence Medical Services Expedition with combined AT and research goals held in June 2012. Two Tri Service teams of 25 ranging from experienced mountaineer to complete novice were selected from trial weekends throughout 2011-2012. Training in essential mountaineering skills took place in Scotland, Snowdonia and Chilwell prior to departure. The

1252 – ‘Bolivian Venture’ – Cordillera Real, Bolivia Read More »

1271 – ‘Junior Cadet Leadership Challenge’ – USA, Massachusetts

Following on from a successful leadership challenge in 2011, Lordswood CCF was once again invited to participate in the JROTC’s Junior Cadet Leadership Challenge (JCLC) held at Fort Devens, an active US military base, over the period of 18 – 22 June 2012. These dates coincided with the annual Bunker Hill parade in Charlestown –

1271 – ‘Junior Cadet Leadership Challenge’ – USA, Massachusetts Read More »

1274 – ‘Northern Emulous III’ – France – Vallon Pont DArc

Exercise Northern Emulous llI was a multi activity expedition conducted in the Ardeche, an area of outstanding beauty in Southern France, for eleven Officer Cadets, three instructors and four administrative staff (One of whom took part in all the activities). The aim of the exercise was to increase the skills and qualifications of those undertaking

1274 – ‘Northern Emulous III’ – France – Vallon Pont DArc Read More »

1286 – ‘Alaskan Adventure’ – Prince William Sound, Talkeetna Mountains, Alaska

On the 1st of July 2012 eight intrepid Air Cadets from Kent Wing, supported by two members of Adult Staff boarded the aircraft to take them on an experience of a lifetime – Exercise Venture Alaska 2012 had begun. The expedition was the latest in a series of ventures worldwide aimed at providing senior air

1286 – ‘Alaskan Adventure’ – Prince William Sound, Talkeetna Mountains, Alaska Read More »

1304 – ‘Cadet Paddle’ – Durance Valley, S France

The Hautes-Alpes region of the Southern French Alps is a paradise and perfect playground for canoeing and kayaking enthusiasts of all levels of ability. Influenced by the warmer Mediterranean climate, an incredible backdrop of mountain scenery and a huge variety of white-water rivers that can be run from May-September it is no wonder that it

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1267 – ‘Highland Fling’ – Scottish Highlands

SHERWOOD SAILORS DO THE HIGHLAND FLING The twelve Reservists from HMS Sherwood planned and organised Exercise Highland Fling themselves, with funding from the Ulysses Trust, to develop their leadership and team-working skills and resilience. “We took part in a variety of challenging outdoor activities and everyone learnt new skills,” said Lieutenant Kathryn Jacques from Long

1267 – ‘Highland Fling’ – Scottish Highlands Read More »

1257 – ‘Scot-paddle – The Great Glen’ – Fort William To Inverness

Aims and objectives for the expedition: The aim of the expedition was to undertake a coast-to-coast self-sufficient journey by Open Canoe from Neptune’s Steps at Fort William to Inverness, 97km later. Our objectives were to learn a range of wilderness livings skills and to manage an expedition team afloat; providing Sea Cadet adult volunteers with

1257 – ‘Scot-paddle – The Great Glen’ – Fort William To Inverness Read More »

1276 – ‘Eastbourne Unit DofE Gold’ – UK, Dartmoor

A team of six eighteen-year-old Sea Cadet Instructors have recently completed their Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Gold Expedition with the help of generous financial support from the Ulysses Trust. The expedition team and support staff set off to Dartmoor for their DofE Gold qualifying expedition at the start of the Easter weekend. The conditions of

1276 – ‘Eastbourne Unit DofE Gold’ – UK, Dartmoor Read More »

1230 – ‘Canford Norwegian Venturer Tiger’ – Norway

After journeying from the depths of Dorset and a good night’s sleep, a filling Norwegian breakfast restores the Canford cadets from their travels. Boots, skis and poles are issued and rapidly the equipment is put to the test in tracks surrounding Hovden. Walking forwards, backwards, standing up (after falling!!), star turns and kick turns soon

1230 – ‘Canford Norwegian Venturer Tiger’ – Norway Read More »

1259 – ‘Himalayan Dagger’ – Nepal – Annapurna Circuit

Following a long deployment to Afghanistan, eleven members of 24 Commando Engineer Regiment, along with one member of Sheffield University OTC (instructor), were lucky enough to have the opportunity to travel to Nepal for a three week adventure in the Nepalese Himalayas. The group left London Heathrow late on the 4 March 2012 arriving in

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