222 (Broadlands) Squadron

In October 2009 we travelled to Edale in the Dark Peak area of the Peak District National Park, for a week of walking, climbing, biking and more. Follow the links below to see what we got up to.

Monday 26th

With a grey sky and and rain threatening, we set off to the sunny Peaks... or not! After 5 hours of painful driving we arrived at Champion House, The Peak Centre. Greeted by a grinning Sgt Powley and the smell of CI Ward’s sausage ‘n’ mash, the cadets quickly settled in and set up home for the week.

Broken into 3 flights, they were briefed on Tuesday’s activities of walking, biking and climbing. Spending some time together in their flights, they prepared their kit for the next day before having an early night and quiet night (We hope!).

Quote of the day - Don't Panic, Don't Panic, Don't Panic. Sgt Mark Powley.

Tuesday 27th

2 flights headed in to the peaks walking, A flight heading to the high peak of Kinder and B flight to Mam Tor. C flight went to the Derwent Reservoir for a morning of mountain biking, followed by an afternoon of climbing at Stanage Edge.

Both flights out walking had the opportunity to get involved in some quite complex navigation, learning some new skills and refreshing some old. C flight had the chance to learn how to use the gears on a bike correctly before cycling around the reservoir which was used by the Dambusters Sqn for training.

Quote of the day - Chickens need feeding too, they're human after all. Cdt Ben Brooksby.

Wednesday 28th

Today we ventured out towards the city of Sheffield, the City of Sport. Well we tried to… But Sgt Powley’s convoy skills needed a little work. The plan of action for the day was to visit Ponds Forge. This is a leisure swimming pool with flumes and a lazy river, after swimming it was time to hit the shops and spends some money. We travelled over to the world famous Meadow Hall Centre, where the cadets had a chance to visit Primark and Starbucks. After dinner in the food court, we went to Hollywood Bowl for 2 games of 10 pin bowling. This was a very active day and late night, but a good time had by all with Cpl B getting the highest game with 176 (Beating the Boss by 1 point).

Quote of the day - I don't normally bowl with my hands. Sgt Mark Powley

Thursday 29th

The second day out on the hill and Sgt Powley took a group across Mam Tor ridge over to Loose Hill. CI Boston ventured again over to Kinder Scout and Flt Lt Fuller climbed up Lost lad. Flt Lt Howlett took B flight biking and climbing, this was the first time Cdt Lizzie Olley had been biking. For the 10 mile ride around Lady Bower, she shared a tandem mountain bike with Cpl Burton.  The visibility was better than Tuesday and you could see more of what the Peak District has to offer.

Quote of the day - Oh NO! Another hill to climb. Cdt Dale Haskell

Friday 30th

The day started early for the whole camp to head off to Alton Towers theme park. After an hour of travelling we made it to the massive theme park, armed with our ‘2 for 1’ voucher we all ventured off in different directions and covered the park with cadets going on all the rides. Flt Lt Fuller, Sgt Brand, Sgt Powley and Cpl Burton started as they meant to go on with a regimental pose going down ‘Oblivion’ a vertical drop roller coaster. Other rides included Rita Queen of Speed, Air and Nemesis. The cadets had a brilliant time at the park and did not want to leave. When the cadets arrived back at the Peak Centre it was time for a fantastic meal and to welcome Wg Cdr Hipperson, Commanding Officer of Norfolk and Suffolk to the peak centre.

Quote of the day - Can I go on this please Sir? Sgt Mark Powley to Flt Lt Ian Fuller (Referring to a childs ride at Alton Towers)

Saturday 31st

The last 'hill day' started with an extra 30 minutes in bed to get over the adrenalin of Alton Towers. With the arrival of Wg Cdr Hipperson, we were able to have 2 high walking groups on the Kinder Plateau and a third low group with Sgt Powley in the White Peak area of Ashford in the Water. Flt Lt Howlett took the last group for a mountain biking and climbing session.

On return from the days activities it was time to prepare some Halloween pumpkins and get dressed up for a party. A last night treat was a roast dinner, a 13 Kg joint of Pork had been prepared and slow roasted in the oven for 7 hours by CI Kezia Ward. With the party starting, the staff retreated to a safe distance.

Quote of the day - 'This bike riding is easy!' Sgt Chris Brand, later he was heard to say 'Ouch never again'.

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