'One of the best ever' says Colonel (From Penarth Times)

'One of the best ever' says Colonel

PENARTH Army Cadets have returned from an annual camp in Pembroke which saw them abseiling, military training and racing on quad bikes.

Cadets from the 1 Company (Cardiff and Barry) including Sabrina Richardson, 15, of Stanwell School, and Dafydd Griffiths, 15, both from Penarth, took part in the event which was hailed by chiefs as 'one of the best camps ever'.

Nearly 400 army cadets from South Wales descended on Castlemartin Camp for a fortnight, along with 150 adults who were running the training and looking after the teenagers.

Popular activities included a Duke of Edinburgh's Award expedition, the Canadian canoes, kayaks, quad bikes and abseiling, while the military side of training was catered for on a three-day Company exercise under canvas.

Time off to buy presents in Tenby and a day out at Oakwood Theme Park also provided a happy balance to the training programme.

Many of the cadets, all volunteers, came home clutching certificates or badges for their achievement in the Army Proficiency Certificate, from the 1 Star Level for the newest recruits through to the coveted 4 Star , won on the tough regular army-run Senior Cadet Instructors Cadre.

Cadet commandant Lieutenant Colonel Gerald Toms, who commands the 3rd (Cadet) Battalion the Royal Regiment of Wales, said: "This has been one of the best camps I've ever been to."

Colonel Toms, better known as Chief Superintendent Toms of South Wales Police, is now looking for more adult leaders, men and women aged 19-50 for the cadets throughout the old Glamorgan counties to train as officers or adult instructors. Previous service in the Cadets or Armed Forces is helpful, but not essential.

For more information on becoming an adult leader or cadet, phone the Reserve Forces and Cadets Association for Wales on 0845 702 3930 or visit www.rfca-wales.org.uk