At 20:00 hrs on Saturday cadets gathered in Epping Forest at a pre-agreed grid reference to take part in the Roding Rally Challenge.  Our teams were issued a card to get stamped and a clue list, along with grid references, for checkpoints that had to be found in sequence, before returning back to High Beech village hall for breakfast.

We were informed that the checkpoints would be unlit, camouflaged points well off the beaten track.  The team settled down with their cards to work out the clues and the correct grid references. Each cryptic clue had 3 possible grid references, so getting the wrong coordinates, could send us hours off course. These clues proved easy for our parent cadet instructors, Mrs. Banks and Mr Stockings, who quickly identified the red herrings and thus the true grid references.

Using their knowledge of bearings, compass work and accurate map reading, the cadets were now presented with a series of grid references to navigate us to. They took it in turns to take the lead, receiving ongoing lessons and guidance from their adult instructors. After a few novel route choices, we arrived at the first checkpoint location and fanned out to find a tiny green camouflaged tent.  It took an hour and considerable patience as the blackness and thick forest refused to aid us.

We were soon then on our way from North Chingford, up through the forest towards Loughton. The next  checkpoint was bagged quickly and whilst 4 hours had passed we were soon close to the final checkpoint.  Again after a search by everyone, we were resigned to the fact that it had indeed alluded us and turned to head back to base, a little downhearted.  That is only to bump into Sgt Banks who had managed to find the final and most well camouflaged checkpoint of all. With new energy we struck forth back to base, a mere 2 miles away.

Arriving back, we debooted and the cadets, looking a little the worse for wear, sat down to tuck into a full English breakfast.  Cadets showed great stamina and mental resolve to find the checkpoints and keep going.  It had taken us 6 hours since leaving the Epping Forest Visitors Centre Car Park.  We had covered some 10 miles in the pitch black, through dense undergrowth. Cpl. G. Kelly, L-Cpl. L.E Lander & J. Kidd and Cdt. Banks, all achieved their advanced navigation badge, whilst Cdt. C. Ross-Lear and S. Stocking both achieved their navigators badge.

Well done to all of the cadets involved and particularly to the parent helpers, C. Sgt Stockings and Sgt. Banks, without whom we would still be wandering around the forest! 25 teams out of 36 teams completed the course and we finshed in 18th place. Great fun was had by all.