Wycombe Team wins Bucks' County Cadet Challenge at RAF Halton

A team from the Royal Grammar School’s Combined Cadet Force has triumphed in a county-wide competition.

Against tough opposition, the High Wycombe cadets clinched first place in a hard-fought tussle staged at RAF Halton.

Over 100 cadets from all parts of Buckinghamshire took part in the Cadet Challenge, organised by Bucks Uniformed Youth, a charity encompassing 17 voluntary member organisations across the county.

Teams from local Army, Sea and Air Cadet units, as well as Thames Valley Police and St John Ambulance, battled against each other in a number of activities, including archery, football, crime-busting, first-aid, and micro-helicopter flying. The day-long event was designed to test a range of skills, such as critical thinking, leadership, hand-eye coordination and operating under pressure.

Presenting the prizes, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, The Lady Howe, praised all the contestants, their leaders, and the organisers.

“I have been in awe of the activities, from physical activities to brain-training, to teamwork. It’s quite extraordinary.

“This competition has strengthened your leadership skills, your communication skills and, most importantly, your teamwork.

“I have been impressed with your exceptional turn-out and it has been very rewarding to see all the different cadet groups coming together and enjoying the most amazing activities. We owe the adult volunteers, and Bucks Uniformed Youth a huge vote of thanks for helping to make this event possible.”

The teams that took part in the competition were:

Royal Grammar School High Wycombe Combined Cadet Force; Sir Thomas Freemantle School, Winslow, Combined Cadet Force; Buckinghamshire Army Cadets (2 teams); Buckinghamshire Sea Cadet Corps (2 teams); 1365 (Aylesbury) Squadron, Air Cadets; 2409 (Halton) Squadron, Air Cadets; Thames Valley Police Cadets (2 teams); St John Ambulance.