CCF & Expeditions

SCHOOL

CCF & EXPEDITIONS

CCF

It’s been a busy CQ for CCF all culminating in the Activity Week for our new Fourths. 75% of the Fourths elected to join the CCF and it’s been fantastic to see the uptake from the girls in the year group too. On Mondays they focused on learning their basic cadet skills ready to tackle section specific training in the last week of CQ.

Royal Navy Activity Week

For the first day of Activities Week, the Royal Navy cadets visited the Mary Rose and HMS Victory in Portsmouth’s Historic Naval Dockyard. Both of the Navy’s new aircraft carriers (HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Price of Wales) were moored in Portsmouth providing a rare treat for the cadets (and beaks) during the harbour tour. The day rounded out with a tour of HMS Hurworth (Hunt class minesweeper) including a tour below decks and the cramped conditions the sailors have to contend with! On Tuesday we returned to Portsmouth for a spot of offshore yacht sailing with the Navy. We were on ‘Amaryllis’ and ‘Cornish Air’ (both ~37ft) and sailed across the Solent to Osborne Bay on the Isle of Wight for lunch. Conditions were quite blustery with some swell, but the cadets took it all in their stride and got to grips with helming and crewing (pulling on the various bits of string!) A trip to Southsea at the end of the day allowed the cadets to go for a paddle in the bracing English Channel. And on Wednesday, a further day in Portsmouth saw the cadets afloat on small motorboats (‘Champs’) as we motored up from HMS Excellent in Portsmouth harbour to Port Solent. Lunch was had in the marina there, surrounded by millions of pounds of floating fibreglass.

Over their two days on the water, the cadets got to grips with navigation, buoyage, weather, helming, ropework (knots), plus lots of other useful nautical knowledge, all wrapped up in teamwork and development of leadership skills; all had an excellent time and thoroughly enjoyed their first Activities Week at the School. Finally, Thursday saw a combined tri-service competition on Broom & Lees as all the CCF 4ths got to grips with first aid, leadership and team tasks, archery, navigation, tug of war and dodgeball.

Army and Royal Marine Activity Week

All cadets conducted a field-craft exercise on a local training area practicing the skills of camouflage and concealment, movement, patrolling, stalking and Close Quarter Battle (CQB) tactics. They also enjoyed staying overnight in the infamous British Army Standard Hotel Accommodation (BASHA), a weatherproof sheet suspended between trees! The MOD Operation Ration Packs (ORPs) went down a storm and talking of storms, the wetproof gear was well tested with summer showers the order of the day throughout the exercise. The cadets’ spirits remained high though and there were some excellent performances across the board. The week also involved paintballing, a visit to Brookwood Military Cemetery to hold a Service of Remembrance at the graveside of OC Lt Mark Evison (WG), and a competition day with all the cadets within the contingent.

Royal Air Force Activity Week

The section has been busy conducting the modules to qualify as Leading Cadets, focusing on Airmanship and the Principles of Flight. The cadets were well supported by the RAF TEST team for Activity Week, conducting Adventure Training, marksmanship and shooting packages, and then joining the Contingent for the competition day.

Army Summer Camp 2022

Crow Borough Camp was once again the home of 11 Brigade’s Annual Summer Camp. Charterhouse cadets returned with high hopes for a great week after the impact that COVID had on regional and national training over the last two years, and they weren’t disappointed. They deployed straight into the field and conducted a 36-hour exercise incorporating Fire and Movement, Survival Skills, Platoon Attacks and Tactics in Built Up Areas (TIBUA). It was the perfect night for an overnight stay in BASHAs with clear skies and great views. Adventure Training incorporated sit on kayaks, paddleboards, the new 10-man paddleboards as well as climbing, mountain biking and archery. On competition day, the cadets were awarded 1st place on the Obstacle Course, Military Knowledge Quiz and the Drill Square, 2nd place for shooting and 3rd place for Close Quarter Battle (CQB). Overall, the Charterhouse team was placed 2nd out of the 16 schools on week two of the Brigade camp that runs throughout the summer. Camp is always tinged with sadness as we say goodbye to our departing senior cadets. They have been great value for the past five years and we wish them all the best as they move onto new challenges.

Maj John Eastham, Contingent Commander CCF

OUTDOOR PURSUITS

UNITED KINGDOM

On the last day of Long Quarter, 27 Silver and 20 Gold participants met for a kit check outside Armoury before heading off via coach or minibus for their expedition. The Silvers would be embarking on their three-day assessment, which marked the end of their expedition training. The Gold candidates would be making a practice expedition which was to be the first time some had ventured into the mountains. In addition to the trekkers, four Golds were off to the Brecon Beacons to paddle down the Wye to continue their kayak training. Huge thanks to all the staff without whom this simply wouldn’t be possible.

Silver Trekkers:

On arrival at Llyn Gwynant campsite, the groups pitched their tents and, after the briefing, sorted kit and cooked dinner. It was a cold night and we woke to a heavy frost, but the sky was clear, so we knew the day ahead was going to be special. After breakfast, the Silvers were driven to their start point, and after another quick kit check, they were off, navigating their way over hill and stream to the campsite.

As the groups made their way from checkpoint to checkpoint, I was trying to think back to the last time I had encountered weather as stable and as clear. Speaking to the Silver groups the night before, I asked them to try to forget the pressures of School and to absorb the peace and tranquillity the mountains have to offer - it has long been proven that the great outdoors manages to help those with stress and anxiety. I reminded the groups that blue skies, the slightest of winds and 19 degrees of heat is not normal for Snowdonia, especially in March! As a result, the views across the National Park were truly stunning. The groups did amazingly well, arriving at the campsite in good spirits, ready for a well-earned meal and some rest.

Day two, the longest of the three days, was going to be a bit tougher, but they all seemed up for it. Another wonderful day beckoned and one by one, the groups packed their kit away and headed east along the valley towards Capel Curig, then west to the campsite by the much-loved mountain Tryfan. Again, the weather gave us yet another stunning day, allowing the participants to soak in the views before eventually reaching their next campsite.

It was an early start on the last day: all rose at 06:00am to pack, cook breakfast and head off to Dolgarrog, their final destination. The day brought scattered clouds, which, given the heat of the last two days, was not a bad thing. The groups were all in good spirits and arrived at the finish point on time to meet the coach back to School. I couldn’t help feeling a tinge of sadness that this was over, but I felt happy and relieved that after the last two years we were once again allowed to get groups back into the mountains, where these expeditions belong. I must congratulate all participants for their effort, resilience and perseverance and I hope they managed to appreciate what the mountains had to offer.

Mr Dave Martucci

Gold Trekkers:

When the late Duke of Edinburgh set up his Award Scheme, he intended it to be a challenge; by meeting that challenge, participants would grow in self-confidence and so be better prepared to face whatever the future might bring. The Gold Award practice expedition to Snowdonia in the first week of the Easter holiday demanded grit and teamwork from all those who went on the trip, but it delivered plenty of rewards as well.

For most candidates, this was their first experience of mountain walking and wild camping. Covid had robbed this cohort of the usual opportunities afforded to Carthusians to gain experience of the outdoors: they’d had no Removes Expedition, and the Silver Award expeditions had perforce been run in the Surrey hills rather than the Welsh mountains. So, this trip delivered some shocks to the system: lungs and legs were taxed by carrying 20kg or so of equipment up steep and sometimes rocky ascents of hundreds of metres; the waterproofing of boots was tested by the numerous bogs to be negotiated; and the task of keeping the group together demanded patience of some and perseverance of others. Indeed, not all candidates completed their intended journey, as injury and illness took their toll.

But the rewards for those who undertook this adventure were huge. Groups enjoyed clear skies and bright sunshine throughout the expedition, so the views of peaks and lakes, captured by the photography of EPN, were unparalleled. Nights were cold, but the stars provided another vista of mind-bending beauty, and we awoke on the fourth morning to a widespread frost which lent a magical sparkle to the scene. For leaders it was even more rewarding to watch the candidates grow in navigational skill, in confidence about what they could achieve, and in cohesion. After a long and tricky descent to finish the last day, and with the waiting minibus only a few metres away, each member of the group waited until everyone was over the last stile before turning with a grin to the members of BH who were applauding their effort. One was even moved to observe, “I’ve never been so happy to see a teacher.”

Mr Jim Freeman

Gold Kayakers:

The Gold kayaking group had a very successful practice expedition over the Easter break, covering approximately 75 miles over four days. Our team of intrepid explorers started the trip in Whitney-on-Wye where we met the kayak instructor, Phil. Once kayaks had been issued, then began the first challenge of squeezing four days’ camping gear into every nook and cranny available in the boat. From there, we set off for Byecross 22km downstream.

That evening the team became culinary artists using various combinations of pasta, sauce, and Spam. Indeed, Spam was to feature quite heavily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner over the entire trek thanks to Gus’ newfound enthusiasm for the processed pork product.

Day two was a very long 44km stretch, and everyone arrived at Hoarwithy tired and aching. Thankfully, the weather looked favourably upon us, and we had perfect paddling conditions all week.

Day three was only a quick 21km which allowed everyone to appreciate the amazing wildlife along the riverbanks. We arrived in Ross-on-Wye in the early afternoon. The boys had picked up a football en route and so spent the afternoon sunbathing and kicking a ball about, whilst the rest of us looked on in admiration at the energy of the youth as we massaged aching arms and shoulders.

Following an early start on the last day and a cheeky little 33km sprint, we arrived in Monmouth having survived the grade two rapids through Symonds Yat. It was great to see the boys’ camaraderie and teamwork and they all learnt many useful lessons in preparation for the assessed expedition in the summer, when I suspect Spam will feature on the menu again!

Gold Trekking: Lake District

After a long drive the day before, the groups woke to a very pleasant morning at the start of their first day.

Day one would take them from the hostel, over High Spy, Dale Head and Robinson before they were eventually to reach Buttermere campsite. The day was warm, and the views were spectacular over Derwent Water to the North and Haystacks and the Gables beyond to the South.

Day two took them over both Scarth and Windy Gap, the latter affording them some wonderful views over the National Park. The weather had deteriorated a little, and a bit of a chill was in the air. The going was tough, but the groups soldiered on and made excellent time over some tricky ground.

After a very pleasant wild camp at Sprinkling Tarn, the groups headed southwest along the Moses path, around Lingmell, and finally to their next wild camp site by Eel Tarn. The weather was mixed, but the groups continued to perform well and enjoy the experience.

The last day’s walk out was quite straight forward, especially as the sun had come out again. The groups finished in great time, ending at a very picturesque cake stall (wasn’t planned, honest...).

Very well done to all participants for their hard work, perseverance and for completing such a fantastic expedition. A big thank you also to all the staff for their time and support.

Gold Paddling: Caledonian Canal

It was a very early start to the expedition, followed by a long but scenic drive to Fort William.

Day one started dry but overcast. The wind blew in our favour and the group was in good spirits as they launched off from the starting point on the Caledonian Canal.

The rain came and went, as did the wind. Our day one wild camp was at a stunning site along the southern end of Loch Lochy. The group tried out their new hammocks with great success. They were all instantly converted.

Day two was slow to start and took them northeast along both Loch Lochy and Loch Oich. They camped out on the northern end by the swing bridge. It was a very pleasant evening, even in the wind.

Halfway through day three, via several portage sessions around canal locks, the last being the notorious ‘Staircase’ (five locks back-to-back), they arrived at Loch Ness. The sun came out as they started paddling this huge body of water. The wind had really died down and conditions were perfect as they paddled to their last campsite of the expedition.

On day four, we awoke to rain and wind, but we still managed to celebrate Indra’s birthday. The wind really picked up, so we decided to wait a while to see if it would change. It did, which meant the group could get on the water for the last 17km section: Loch Ness to Tor Point, just south of Inverness.

Huge congratulations to Max Dyer(L), Hugh Hutchinson (B), Gus Skordos (B) and Indra Tason (S) for such a successful expedition.

Mr Dave Martucci

ROYAL MARINES SUMMER CAMP

LYMPSTONE

During the first week of the summer holiday, four Royal Marines cadets (Alban Raffard (L), Lachlan Liu (S), Zach Kirton (H) and Liam Gilmore, (H)) attended the Royal Marines Summer Camp at Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM), Lympstone where all RM officer and recruit training takes place.

The first day was spent at CTCRM doing activities such as the assault course, unarmed combat (self-defence) and Urban Close Quarter Battle (Urban CQB). The most enjoyable (but also painful) of these activities was the assault course which included a brutal warm-up and a fun run-through of the famous course.

At the end of the first day, we were driven to Dartmoor for the next phase of the camp where we spent the next three nights in a harbour position, sleeping under ponchos. After our first night out in the field, day two saw us practise fieldcraft activities that would prepare us for the final assault at the end of the week. There was a carousel of activities that included casualty evacuation, rural CQB, break contact drills (how to respond to enemy fire) and section attacks. This was a physically demanding day and meant we all went to sleep without any difficulty!

On day three we put together the skills learnt the previous day and carried out an entire troop attack which lasted well over an hour; here each section quickly swapped between the roles of fire support section, assault section and reserve section with cadets being given the opportunity to assume the roles of troop commander and troop sergeant. As a reward for a successful troop attack, we yomped back to our harbour area!

Day four started with a swim test to allow us to take part in the amphibious assault – we were then taken up the river in speed boats, landed on the beach then attacked a series of enemy sentry positions at the foot of the hill. Further up the hill was the final objective, Scraesdon Fort. In order to formulate a plan for a troop attack the following morning, each of the three sections carried out a close target reconnaissance (CTR) mission that evening reporting back with information to allow the plan to be developed by the troop commander. With all the information collected, we set up harbour at the bottom of the hill ready for a dawn attack the following morning.

In order to get into position at the fort in time for H-Hour on day five, we packed up camp at 05.30am, and moved up the steep hill in silence into our positions. With synchronised watches, all 3 sections attacked simultaneously at exactly 07.00am. Smoke grenades and nearby bushes gave us little cover from enemy fire, but our first aid and casualty evacuation skills from earlier in the week came in handy! The attack was very tiring and very confusing with so much noise and such poor visibility from the smoke grenades but we succeeded in neutralising the enemy just in time for a hot breakfast!

After breakfast, we drove to 42 commando which was the start of the Phil Guy Memorial Run, a 7.6 km cross country run to commemorate a member of the RMYT who was killed in a helicopter crash whilst on active duty. After this run, we returned to Lympstone for a BBQ and games before finally getting to sleep in a bed again.

This one-week trip was an experience that we will remember for the rest of our lives; it was both physically and mentally demanding but each of us learnt a lot about ourselves as well as learning skills that will give us an advantage in preparing for the Pringle Trophy. We would thoroughly recommend this camp to anyone who is prepared to spend a week out of their comfort zone.

Cdt Cpl Alban Raffard (L) and Cdt Cpl Lachlan Liu (S)

FOURTH FORM PIONEERS’ TRIP

ROYAL WOOTTON BASSETT, WILTSHIRE

After the success of our inaugural visit to the site in CQ21, the decision to return to the shadowlands of The Ridgeway in Wiltshire for the first co-educational Fourth Form Pioneers trip was easy. And without the Covid complications of last year, Paul Webb and his team at H5 Adventure, who run the residential, promised an even bigger and better week. We were not to be disappointed…

Having disembarked the buses just beyond the ancient stone circle at Avebury, the groups set out on the initial leg of their expedition, heading for Upper Ham Farm – the stunning setting of the two campsites for the first couple of nights, complete with a willow growing askant a glassy lake and the nightly hoots of owls.

On arrival, tents were pitched, food was cooked, cricket was played, and bridges were built over a muddy creek. Unbelievably, and unlike previous years, every attempt to cross these ropey rope-bridges was successful and special mention must go to Percy Williams (B) for his acrobatic balancing act as he pulled himself back from the surface of the water on one leg.

The gymnastics continued the next day too on the mobile climbing wall and caving system, at least as far as the pupils were concerned. Luca Coe (V) was crowned king of this particular jungle with his seven-second ascent of the artificial rock face, much to the dismay of Mr Ellis-Woodley, who could only manage it in a measly nine seconds. Meanwhile, Mr Tink was kindly consoled by his team after he was caught wide-eyed on camera as he lost his way through the caves.

Next up was raft-building – an art in which a couple of the groups seemed, I think it is fair to say, a little less practised: in spite of (or perhaps because of) some creative designs, several paddlers and pilots found themselves wading back to shore. Even in these moments of adversity, however, there were guiding lights to be found: as members of their crew succumbed to water, Ksenia Dmitrieva’s (N) knots held fast and Lulu Evans (N) continued to paddle with all her might, for example.

Perhaps the most popular activity of all was cooking on an open fire. Having stoked the flames themselves, the pupils made a fireside feast of trout, bananas and popcorn (as separate dishes, of course!) – perfect preparation, no doubt, to take up the tongs at family barbecues this summer.

The trip culminated in the third day’s walk to Blacklands Lake Campsite. In glorious sunshine, tempered by a cool breeze and occasional clouds, the pupils hiked 18 kilometres through the wilds of Wiltshire, carrying their food and kit. Almost everyone completed the trek and Mr Dobson’s group – Spike Vincent (B), Percy Williams, Theo Fleming (H), Felix Le Vesconte (H), Conrad Cherryman (L), Austin Vosloo (L) and Robbie Barton (S) – even broke the record for the route, finishing in five and a half hours.

All of the pupils on the trip, though, acquitted themselves impressively, facing challenges, learning lessons and developing along the way. Special congratulations for this go to Mrs North-Panting’s winning team – Emilia Ballard (Su), Bea Creer (Su), Selina Hunter (Su), Nikolas Keiling (L), Ellie Khasidy (Su), Milo O’Rourke (B), Freddie Pilcher (B), Leo Song (L) – and to the most valuable team players of the week – Emilia Ballard, Alen Chaizhunussov (V), Thomas Cobbald (G), Ivan Dzhioev (L) and Alexander Keiling (L). Well done again to all involved, though, and I really hope it will be the start of lifelong enjoyment of the natural world for some. Thanks as well to all the staff involved: Paul Webb and the H5 Adventure team, Miss Cuthbertson, Mr Dobson, Mr Ellis-Woodley, Mr Gillespie, Mrs North-Panting and Mr Tink.

Mr Charlie Sparrow

ENDURANCE CHALLENGE

Path after path after path. 15 long miles to go and no-one can take it anymore. Two members have bravely left and one, who is now the last remnant of her group, has joined us. It’s about three in the morning, everyone’s completely silent, and the only thing allowing us to see is the light of our torches. Each of us has blistered feet and legs that are bound to give way at any moment, but nevertheless, we carry on.

Perseverance. It’s a word that I now see I had underestimated for many years. When I was told about the 50-mile walk, I never expected it to be like this! I had just completed Gold DofE: how bad could it be? How naïve I had been. Not only did we walk for 23 hours and 42 minutes, but we also kept walking despite pain in places I never knew could hurt so much. Never had I seen such fierce determination before. Every single person in my group was, and is, truly perseverant.

After 35 miles, I was done. I just couldn’t take it anymore. Being the slowest in my group was truly demoralising. I couldn’t even see the rest of my group in front of me! Every few minutes they would stop and wait for me to catch up and then we would keep going. It was a constant cycle of walking, stopping, walking and then stopping again and every time I caught up, I felt guilty for having to make my whole group wait. Of course, every part of my legs and feet were aching, but the true foe in this story was my stomach. Every step I took was one closer to making me (in more delicate terms) toss my cookies. In an effort to remedy the situation, I didn’t eat or drink anything for the next five miles. Big mistake. As we were reaching the 40-mile checkpoint, I knew that was it. I would have to drop out. With tears streaming down my face, I told my group members that that was enough.

Kindness – a truly important value at Charterhouse and one which every one of my group members displayed. Once I had told them I was going to drop out, they all immediately began to congratulate me on the effort I had made so far, declaring how proud they were of me for getting to 40 miles. Although I was feeling extremely disappointed with myself for having to give up, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for my incredible team! As I got to the checkpoint with a group member on either side pulling me forward with them, I was approached by the best beak ever (please don’t be offended, other awesome beaks). With a concerned expression and a hand on my shoulder, they asked me, “What happened?” A river of tears began to flow from my tired eyes. “I can’t do it anymore. I can’t. I just can’t,” I managed to say.

The title “Best Beak Ever” is not used lightly. This person believed in me even when I had completely given up on myself. Not only did they tell me that I could do it and that I would do it, they phoned another beak (who is also incredibly amazing) so that they could go back to Charterhouse and get me my medicine. They came all the way back just so that I could finish the walk. If it hadn’t been for either of them, I wouldn’t have made it!

Brooke Hall Arch was truly a beautiful sight after walking 50 miles. Regardless of the numerous setbacks, inconveniences and aches, we pushed through until the very end and finally made it, hobbling as we went. Going to school never felt better!

I take immense pride in saying we were the first to leave and last to come back with only 18 minutes to spare. That is true endurance. I couldn’t be prouder of every single member of the group!

Liv Camacho Wejbrandt (N)

The Charterhouse value of ‘Perseverance’ is embodied in all those who complete such a challenge as the 50-Mile Walk. From the practice walk to Cranleigh, to trekking through the South Downs, both physical and mental challenges were encountered by all. Even though I had already spent four years with the members of my group, a new sense of camaraderie arose between us, and a bond which none of us will forget. To keep going, in the dead of night, along the seemingly never-ending path that is the Downs Link is no mean feat. Every so often we had to check off with various beaks along the way including Mr Monkman and his scented candles, Mr Bingham with a police car and finally Mr Kane handing out ties at Brooke Hall. Despite the blisters and pain, the dreadful late-night karaoke, and the daunting prospect of Charterhouse Hill, the 50-Mile Walk is one of the greatest achievements that a Carthusian can experience, and certainly one that none of us will forget!

On behalf of all students who participated, I would like to thank the beaks for all the time and effort they invested in this challenge!

Caspar Beyer (P)

BIOLOGY FIELD TRIP

Pupils on the trip were introduced to the topic of Biodiversity with a boat trip around Skomer island, an important Marine Conservation Zone. There has been a spectacular recovery in the puffin population and nearly 40,000 puffins now breed there.

Puffins were everywhere, crash-landing on the cliffs, standing sentinel at their burrows and splash-landing in the sea all around the group.

It is also home for half the UK Manx Shearwater population. Very recent research by Oxford University based on Skomer has suggested the shearwaters use the earth’s magnetic field to navigate their 7,500-mile migration to Argentinian waters.

The trip allowed our 1YS Biologists to develop their sampling and statistical techniques in this very special coastal environment in Pembrokeshire.