Prior to the exercise the cadets raised funds to pay for the local purchase of climbing equipment and wet suits (Total cost £1798.00). They carried out 2 bag packs at local supermarkets, one of which received a price match from one of the unit instructors who works for Santander, and they gave £700. Other funding was provide by Radio City, Liverpool, Ulysses Trust and personal contributions from the staff and the cadets.

We used the facilities at the Sea Cadet Unit at Holyhead as a base for the duration of this exercise. 8 staff and 14 cadets attended.

The first two days we split the cadets into 3 groups: group 1 - Climbing and Abseiling in Llanberis, Group 2 - Coastal walk from 4 mile bridge(Duke of Edinburgh practice Expedition), Holy Island back to the SCC unit in Holyhead and the final group where to carry out a mountain day, but due to high winds in the Snowdonia area, a low level walk was completed. Day 2 the groups rotated, the only difference being is that one of the groups took part in the Sea Level Traversing activity for ½ a day, the group carrying out the Duke of Edinburgh training walked from the SCC unit in Holhead to the Sea Level Traversing venue(Porth Dafarch) and spent the afternoon Sea Level Traversing.

On completion of the Coastal walks (The Duke of Edinburg Group) the cadets set up camp in the grounds of the SCC unit in Holyhead, remaining self-sufficient until the following morning. They were supplied with ration packs and cooker and where not allowed to go into the accommodation until ENDEX.

Day 3 (Wed) I had organise a trip to RAF Valley to visit C flight, 22 Squadron, Search and Rescue Team. On arrival at the base in the morning we were met at the main gate by one of the pilot officers who guided us to the Search and Rescue Team buildings. The cadets where given a tour of the various departments - Mountain Rescue, Medical Training/Stores etc. They were then given a presentation/video of the role of the SAR teams. In the afternoon the Cadets received a safety brief and then split into two groups of 7, each group was given a flight in the Sea King Search and Rescue Helicopter - it was touch and go to the last minute whether they would get a flight.

Day 4 (Thurs) All the cadets and instructors went up to Holyhead Mountain and spent the day climbing and abseiling in glorious sunshine. Members of Holyhead Sea Cadets (TS Prince of Wales) were also invited and experienced a fantastic day, many overcoming their fear of heights!!

Altogether the Ex went well - 8 months of planning and preparation had paid off, all the staff and cadets enjoyed the week and wish to pass on their thanks to the Ulysses Trust for the support and funding of this exercise.