Ten Tors success for Cornish youngsters
1:51pm Tuesday 13th May 2008
They were exhausted but over the moon, Hundreds of young people had completed the challenging Ten Tors - this year in brillian sunshine.
Many wondered whether the horrendous weather conditions of last year which led to many youngsters being airlifted off Dartomoor was better than the exhausting heat of this year. But overall most concluded this year was "great".
Groups from all over Cornwall took part, not least Devoran Scouts, 18th Truro Scouts, 8/9th Falmouth Scouts and 1st Newquay Scouts.
Walking up to 40 miles, in brilliant sunshine and soaring temperatures, they demonstrated tremendous determination, strength of character and teamwork, as well as skills in navigation and camp-craft to complete the Challenge across the bleak but awe-inspiring terrain of Dartmoor, said one of their leaders John Parham.
Since November, 26 youngsters from Falmouth, Devoran, Truro, Redruth, Lanner, Goonhavern and Newquay had followed an intensive training programme, including team-building, navigation, route planning, camping skills, emergency procedures, survival skills, first aid and fitness training. Physical training started in Penwith, moved on to Bodmin Moor and then on to a series of two-day hikes every other weekend on Dartmoor, camping out on the moor in all weathers.
"These young people, some of whom are only 13, have shown great commitment, determination and courage to endure the challenging terrain and extremes of climate Dartmoor offers - sunshine, freezing cold, thick mist, strong winds, snow and driving rain can all be experienced in one weekend," said Mr Parham.
"These extremes and the hazards that result were clearly evident last year when the event was abandoned and the participants evacuated from the moor due to atrocious weather, and with the tragic accident earlier that year, when a young participant died after being swept away in a swollen river during training on Dartmoor.
"We have received generous support from a number of local businesses and organisations, including Richard Lander School, Pool Community College, Devoran Church, Penrose Outdoors, Pendennis Shipyard, A&P Falmouth, Skinners Brewery, Outback Trading, MacSalvors, Owen Brains of Community Assisted Projects and the Belling Charitable Settlement.
This year's event was carried out in some of the warmest weather conditions for several years and the beaming smiles of all those who greeted their parents at the finish said it all. "We have done it."