Cadets Monkey Around at Matfen

Thirteen cadets from 224 (Hexham) Squadron got dressed up to celebrate Halloween in style. The cadets spent Friday 28th October swinging from trees at Go Ape at Matfen Hall, an exhilarating five-part high ropes course.

Despite the creative costumes all cadets managed to put on their harnesses and participate in the half hour safety briefing. Younger baboons were assigned adult Gorillas to supervise them throughout the course which at its highest point is 11 metres above the ground.

It was a surreal sight as Santa, Elmo and a baby among others tackled the course with 38 crossings in the beautiful setting of the Matfen Hall estate. In addition to the tree-top crossings there were Tarzan swings into cargo nets that proved a favourite for most of the cadets.

At the end each of the five sections was a high speed zip-wire that got the adrenaline pumping, with the final zip wire a staggering 160 metres long.

The trip was organised and partly funded by the Civilian Committee of the squadron and one of the Civilian Instructors Dave Kitcatt, who works at Go Ape. All the cadets thoroughly enjoyed the experience with Corporal Annalise Laidlow (16), student at Queen Elizabeth High School, saying "it was a really enjoyable and exciting experience. I think it helped us bond together as a squadron and I can't wait to go again!"

Interested in aviation? The Air Training Corps welcomes young people aged between 13 and 17 who have a taste for adventure. 224 Squadron meets every Wednesday and Friday evening at the TA Centre, Hencotes, Hexham. Realise your potential; find out more at www.224hexhamaircadets.co.uk.