Ten Tors 2007 - THE EVENT

Cadets from 1322 (Newton Abbot) Sqn. Air Training Corps were involved in the Ten Tors event on Dartmoor over the weekend of 12- 13 May 2007, along with 2400 other young people. They had been training for ten weekends, covering many miles across Dartmoor, carrying full packs, and camping out overnight in preparation for the expedition. The event is for young people whose age ranges from 14- 20 years of age from schools, youth groups and service cadets. They cover 35, 45 and 55 miles in 48 hours, visiting ten different Tors along the way. 

This is a demanding schedule, requiring navigation, survival, camping skills, good fitness levels and excellent leadership and team working.

This year the Teams allocated to Devon & Somerset Squadrons were made up of cadets from Chivenor, Exeter, Exmouth, Ilminsiter, Newton Abbot, Quantock, Teignmouth, Wells & Yeovil. The vast majority of the Squadrons trained together and all had to attend a compulsory assessment weekend with the other ATC units from around the country and University Air Squadrons who made up the RAF contingent for Ten Tors 2007. A weekend at Willsworthy was also attended by all Devon & Somerset Wing Teams.

Throughout their training all representatives of the 1322 (Newton Abbot Sqn) teams grew in confidence and skill, and by the morning of the 12^th May, they were fully prepared to set off in the showery weather. All teams were making good progress but were halted over night at specific Tors, were they were instructed to camp. The weather forecast for the Sunday indicated more rain, leading to higher river levels, and the decision was made by the organizers to stop the event, and recover the participants. In the opinion of 1322 Staff this was the correct decision especially as river levels were very high. The Army executed the mass evacuation in a very professional manner. It was also the first time that Rick Webb can remember the Army actually openly requesting assistance from Team Managers, naturally accepting Army instructions to evacuate all teams safely, Satff from the Wing joined the convoy of minibuses.

Our teams made up of 1322 cadets walked to a meeting point and were taken back to Okehampton in mini buses, and army trucks and one team was taken to the Royal Marines base at Bickleigh near Plymouth to await transport back to Okehampton. None of our team members needed to be brought off the moor in helicopters. 

The general feeling of the 1322 cadets was that despite having to leave the moor early, everyone was very pleased to have taken part. The majority, if not all participants, who represented the squadron are hoping to take part again next year in what is a thoroughly enjoyable event.  

Richard Nott