AS THE country continues to groan its way out of recession, apprenticeships may not at first glance be seen by some small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as much more than an extra, unnecessary expenditure.

However, Tiverton auto repair firm D&K Vehicle Repairs is among those who recognise the benefits an apprentice can bring to their business. And having taken one on, they have received funding through a National Apprentice Service (NAS) incentive scheme designed to help participating SMEs cover costs.

They have done so in partnership with Exeter College, the body providing the educational training to the apprentice with a view to them gaining formal Automotive industry qualifications.

The deal is simple: the apprentice attends their College course on day release once a week to hone their skills through studying in their chosen field; the rest of the week, they apply their knowledge practically while working for the employer who has agreed to take them on.

Having received an initial installment of £1500, which the company says it plans to use on buying workwear and other essentials for its latest recruit – 16-year-old apprentice Dean Allan, of Tiverton – it will receive a follow-up payment of £1000 in 12 months’ time.

As the country’s new FE minister, John Hayes, pledged in the Times Educational Supplement on Friday (June 4) provision of the largest number of apprenticeship places in history, Kim Davey, co-owner of D&K Vehicle Repairs, was collecting her first support grant. She is confident that once initial outlays have been accounted for, the payback is worth it.

She says: “Taking on an apprentice means you can train them in the way that you would like them to work for you, rather than in a way that they have been used to working previously. At the same time, it is nice to think that you are taking someone on who is not yet fully-qualified, and you are giving them a chance.”

But, she says, it’s not only the employer and apprentice who may benefit; the rest of the workforce is likely to too.

Kim explains: “The guys that Dean is now working with are mostly in their 20s. It is not that long since they took and passed their exams, so it’s nice for them to now be able to share some of their expertise and experience gained since then with a new colleague.

“At the same time, bringing new blood into a business often breathes new life into it, and we hope Dean will be able to bring in new ideas of his own and maybe even some additional skills which he has picked up at College.”

“The extra funding is a bonus,” she adds. “All the guys here wear uniforms, so Dean will need one of those. And we want to make sure he has money to help him go to College, for example, to pay travel costs or for any books he might need.

“As a small business, we already work hard for our money, so any boost to our finances which will ensure we can support Dean in his studies can only be a good thing.”

Visiting the garage on Howden Industrial Estate on Friday to hand over the first of two cheques was Exeter College Employer Engagement Manager Richard Layburn.

Particularly for SMEs, where profit margins and workforces are smaller and therefore more dependent on individuals, he says, such financial support is often difference between whether or not they can afford to take on an apprentice during these difficult times.

Richard, who has previously spoken to members of Exeter Chamber of Commerce and Industry about the benefits of apprenticeships, continues: “For years, there was a national incentive scheme to encourage SMEs who would not otherwise have been able to afford to take on apprentices to do so. A new scheme began on June 1 which we hope will again encourage them to consider the rewards to be gained from employing an apprentice, particularly in this economic climate.”

“The success rates speak for themselves,” he adds. “A retail apprentice undertaking a 24-month apprenticeship, for example, is likely to reach the same level of competence after six months as someone who may have been working for a company for years; for engineering, the average timescale is 18 months.

“In this time, through their formal education at College, they may also bring an understanding of new technology and new skill sets to a business. The employer also finds them in a position where they can tap into College resources. If the apprentice wins awards, this in turn brings extra recognition to the employer. What’s more, the majority will stay with their employers once their apprenticeship is complete.”

Exeter College currently offers 39 types of apprenticeship, the largest range in Devon and Cornwall, across the following sectors: Automotive and Engineering, Business and IT, Construction, Hairdressing, Health, Social Care and Childcare, Hospitality and Catering, and Technical Theatre.

EXETER College students from across the faculties will have a chance to sit in the director’s chair as they take part in an exciting silver screen challenge next week as part of this year’s Exeter College Arts Festival.

Teams taking part will be given their brief at 4.30pm on Wednesday night and will then have exactly two days to create a video to match a track performed by a local band to be shown to peers and the public for the first time on Friday night.

They will have no idea beforehand whose music they will be given, or the subject matter of the song, and will therefore have to start from scratch casting, devising, and shooting their mini movie.

The debut screening of their resultant works will take place at Exeter College’s Centre for Creative Industries (CCI), Victoria Yard, off Queen Street, Exeter, at 7.30pm on Friday, June 11.

Looking forward to it, film and media lecturer Ben Woodhouse says the evening presentation will serve as a shop window for existing filmmakers at the same time as giving students from other departments a chance to shine.

He continues: “Any event that allows people who wouldn’t usually work with film an opportunity to make something of their own is brilliant, because I think we have a massive supply of untapped talent which just needs to be unleashed to be recognized.

“Just because a student is reading history or maths, it doesn’t mean that they are not hugely creative too. This event will give such people a real chance to demonstrate their potential, and that can only be a good thing.

“At the same time, for our students who are already working with film, the Challenge will be a great way for them to showcase their work to people who might otherwise not have the chance to see it, which is, of course, every filmmaker’s dream.”

The Friday night film screening will round off the first week of this year’s City & Guild-sponsored Festival. As with many others listed, it is open to the public as well as staff, students and parents, and admission is free.

The Arts Festival 2010 opens on Wednesday evening with a stage production of the legendary TV wartime comedy ‘Allo ‘Allo and continues with a broad programme of Media and Performing Arts activities until June 25.

Following on from Exeter College’s 2010 Art & Design Summer Show (open June 23, 6pm, then weekdays until July 1 and also part of The Arts Festival), the 2010 Art And Design and Design BTEC Shows will take place between Thursday, June 24, Thursday, July 8, with Year 1 and Year 2 BTEC diploma Art, Design, Media and Photography students’ work on show and for sale.

For further details or a copy of the The Arts Festival 2010 programme, call 0845 111 6000, email artsfestival@tabernaclearts.co.uk, or visit www.wix.com/exetercollege/exeter-college-arts-festival. Tickets are available on the day or in advance from CCI Reception. Box office open Monday-Friday, 12pm-1pm.

Following stunning success at Exeter Cathedral Carol Concert and other concerts during the last 25 years, this month Exeter College Big Band will take up its regular annual slot at the Barnfield Theatre for the climax show of the year, at 7.30pm on Wednesday, June 16 – The Big Gig 2010. As always, the event promises to be a bold and brassy blast of an evening for the College and public alike.

Familiar classics such as Come Fly With Me have already been earmarked for Exeter College Big Band’s 25th birthday bash, and a good mix of instrumental showpieces have been promised on the night too, ranging from the swing era right up to more modern arrangements such as Charles Mingus’s Moanin’.

Also thrown in to the programme for good measure will be Big Swing Face from the Buddy Rich Band and Dizzy Gillespie’s A Night In Tunisia, not forgetting, of course, Frank Sinatra’s That’s Life, I Get A Kick Out Of You and Let’s Face The Music And Dance.

Band director Brian Moore, of Exeter College, says: “A particular feature of this year’s concert will be the huge range of songs and vocalists. Exeter College has a very strong tradition of producing great young singers, and this year is no exception.”

Described by Brian as a concert that is going to be an apt tribute to the Big Band’s 25-year history, and to all the members who have passed through it during that time, he adds that it is also a fitting way to celebrate the achievements of its founder, Exeter College music lecturer Io Pugh, with whom Brian has co-run the band for the past decade.

Brian adds: “Io has encouraged and inspired young musicians in the band for such a long time. It is sad that, because of illness, he will not be on stage with me this year. But the range and quality of musicianship in the show will be a real testament to the lasting legacy that Io has produced in his many years at the helm.”

The Big Gig takes place on Wednesday, June 16, at 7.30pm. Tickets, priced £8 (£5 concessions), are available from the Barnfield Theatre Box Office on 01392 270891

3rd June 2010

AS WE finally catch our first glimpse of a long-awaited British Summer, Autumn may still seem a long way off. Yet adults are already enquiring about the range of new courses on offer to 19 + students from next term at Exeter College.

Ayurvedic Cooking, Wine Tasting, Criminal Psychology and Family History are just a few of the vast array of adult learning courses which the College will run on campus and across the city from September – the choice is huge!

To help would-be adult students pick the right course, the College is holding an Adult Learning Fair on its Exeter Hele Road campus on Monday, June 7, between 5pm and 8pm. There, visitors will have the chance to meet tutors, find out more about study options, and take part in free taster workshops in a variety of subject areas.

Stephanie Darrie, Deputy Head of Student Experience at Exeter College, says: “People have been approaching us for months now enquiring about what will be on offer to adults from September, and there really is something for everyone.

“There are literally hundreds of courses on offer from next term, ranging from vocational to leisure, and from basic numeracy and literacy courses, to GCSEs, Steps to A levels and NVQs and Higher Education qualifications.”

She continues: “It might be that someone is wanting to retrain in order to secure the career they’ve always dreamed of. Or perhaps they wish to further qualify for that much sought-after promotion, or secure the skills and experience needed to work in their chosen industry through an apprenticeship.

“For some, adult learning gives them a chance to gain the education which they perhaps feel they missed out on during their school years. For others, it can simply be something they wish to undertake for sheer enjoyment, while at the same time adding an additional string to their bow.”

On the night, there will be a diverse range of stands representing each of the faculties. Whether it is Art and Design, Hospitality, Hair and Beauty, Business Solutions or Sport and Leisure you are interested in, staff from the College will be at hand from these and other departments to answer questions.

Visitors will also be able to pick up a copy of the new Adult Learning Guide – to be launched on the night – and even enrol on the spot should they wish to.

Free workshops will be held too, in Stained Glass, French for Beginners, Guitar and Ukulele, Understanding Personality Styles, Map and Compass, and Digital Imaging – not forgetting the Maths and English Challenge promoting free courses in basic numeracy and literacy.

Additional advice will be available from a team of experts from the College and Nextstep for those needing further direction in relation to course choices, prospective career changes and funding queries, and the College’s Higher Education team will also be present.

Stephanie says that as adults with busy lives it is easy to put off further studies even when we are keen to pursue them, and recommends adapting a ‘no more excuses’ approach.

She adds: “Whether you’d like to train to become a teacher, read law, or learn cake decoration, we have so many adult learning courses on offer. Even if you are unsure about what you want to do next, it is definitely worth coming along to find out what is on offer.”

A STAGE version of hilarious wartime sitcom ‘Allo ‘Allo will mark the opening of this year’s fun-packed Exeter College Arts Festival on Wednesday (June 9).

While its cast can’t wait to ham it up as some of television’s best-loved comedy characters, dozens more students are busy adding final touches to their own events and exhibitions, also due to take place at venues across the city over the coming weeks as part of this year’s City & Guilds-sponsored cultural celebration.

Filmmakers taking part in the 48-Hour Film Challenge will have only two days to make music videos for local bands during the Festival’s Week One in preparation for a debut screening to peers and the public on Friday (June 11).

At the same time, dance students will be putting costumes and choreography to the test in dress rehearsals ready for their Spectrum showcase on Monday and Tuesday of the following week (June 14 and 15).

Stage Management students are used to being the people behind the scenes responsible for making those on stage glow. But next Thursday lunchtime (June 17), it will be their chance to shine through their lunchtime ESP sound and lighting demonstration.

Tuning up in time for their Summer Sounds gig at the Phoenix next Thursday night (June 17) will be some of the College’s music students, while more dance students will be getting into the swing of things in readiness for their Big Apple trip of a lifetime fundraiser on Friday (June 18), New York, New York!.

Also in Week Two, students and the public will be invited to engage in some cultural workshops during Wednesday’s Respect Day event (June 16) – a celebration of diversity.
For those who prefer arts of the brush and pencil kind to performing arts, Princesshay will be the place to go. It will be home on several days next week (June 15, 16 and 17) to the DiverCity Gallery exhibition, where students will be exhibiting and selling examples of their work alongside local professional artists.

If cabaret is the name of the game, they might like to head instead to the Bikeshed Theatre in Week Three of the Festival (June 21 and 22) where there will be plenty of fun and frivolity in The Variety Show, an assortment of acts to be performed in front of audiences seated at variety club-style candlelit tables.

National Award Acting Performance students are set to premiere some of their self-penned works back at the College’s own Centre for Creative Industries (CCI) theatre the same week, during the Working Title events (June 22 and 23).

Wednesday evening (June 23) will mark the official opening of this year’s Art & Design Summer Show. It will then run 10am to 4.30pm daily except weekends from the next day (June 24) until July 1. Also on the Thursday (June 24), visitors will be able to enjoy a Creative Arts & Media Installation on display all day in the CCI Theatre.

Rounding off the third week nicely on the Friday night will be Becky Critchlow’s Magic Carpet Auction (June 25), at which the Arts Management student from Exmouth will be raising money towards Magic Carpet, an arts charity for local adults and children with learning disabilities or mental health issues and their carers.

Running concurrently, the 2010 Art And Design BTEC Shows will take place between Thursday, June 24 and Thursday, July 8, with Year 1 and Year 2 BTEC diploma Art, Design, Media and Photography students’ work on display and available for purchase.

All events within the Festival programme will be open to the public as well as Exeter College students and staff, and while for many admission is free, others will require tickets in return for a small fee (£8 maximum) per person.

Arts Management lecturer Fintan Irwin Bowler, co-ordinator of The Arts Festival 2010 and also co-director of Exeter’s Bikeshed Theatre, says: “The Arts Festival traditionally allows our Media and Performing Arts students to showcase the skills they have been working on throughout the year to the public at large as well as friends and family, and we are very grateful for the support City & Guilds has given to this year’s series of events.”

He continues: “For many, the work they will be putting forward for the Festival will be the culmination of weeks, or even months, of hard work towards completion of their final-year projects. So the Festival will be both exciting and hugely important to them as they prepare themselves for their future careers or further progression within education.

“Particularly as a number of 2010 events are taking place off-campus, at the Phoenix, Bikeshed Theatre, and in Princesshay, the Festival is something which will serve the broader community as well as our students.”

Please click here for more information about what’s on during the Arts Festival

A local student is appealing to businesses for prizes that will help her raise money as she plans a grand Charity Auction as part of her arts management course at Exeter College.

Becky Critchlow, 21 from Exmouth is aiming to raise funds for the Magic Carpet charity, a local charity that organises creative arts activities for adults and children who have a learning disability, mental health issue or are carers.

“Organising an event is part of my Art Management course which we normally do in groups but I chose to do it on my own” said Becky Critchlow “It was important to me that I chose to raise money for a local charity that helps the community and raises awareness of Magic Carpet and what they do. Guests will get the opportunity to be part of a thrilling auction, knowing that their money goes to a good local cause.”

Becky is hoping that the free auction, to be held on 25th June at Centre for Creative Industries theatre, Queen Street, Doors open at 7pm, attracts lots of visitors who will be keen to bid for a range of glittering prizes. She’s already delighted that Richard Bearne, Chairman of Bearne’s Hampton and Littlewoods Auction House has committed to ensure that all the proceedings are fair and go without a hitch!

“Because I am disabled with cerebral palsy I can understand other disabilities and wanted to do something to help others with a range of disabilities.”, Becky added, “I think it is important that we keep the arts and community spirit alive for everyone because it helps all of us in so many ways. The arts particularly make a difference to the people who don’t always have an easy time, keeping them happy and allowing them to be creative, make friends and become more confident”.

“I am appealing for lots of great prizes from the community for the auction and raffle, these might include a restaurant meal for two, a hot air balloon ride, days trips, new or antique art works, or workshops.”

“Magic Carpet really make a difference to the lives of the people we support, said Robert Wynne from Magic Carpet “we are able to offer a wide range of arts activities that help our participants grow, develop and be part of the cultural community of Exeter. Becky’s enormous generosity in organising this auction will enable us to offer more creativity to our participants in Exeter.’

If you can help donate prizes contact Becky on 07540111787 or via beckycritchlow@exe-coll.ac.uk.

NOTES TO EDITORS : For more information, please contact Sylvia Jarman, Head of Marketing and Communications, Exeter College 01392 205585 or email sylviajarman@exe-coll.ac.uk

Students and staff at Exeter College are celebrating following the publication of a glowing report from the Government’s monitoring body, Ofsted.

The monitoring progress report follows a visit from the Ofsted inspectors in March which tested the teaching, learning and leadership across the college and scored the college the highest marks in seven out of the eight categories.

“We’re absolutely delighted that the college has been recognised as making such fantastic progress”, said Richard Atkins, Principal, “since it clearly demonstrates that we have made considerable progress since our last full inspection in 2008.”

Ofsted particularly noted “a culture of high expectations and ambition” and how the College “now engages in highly insightful and penetrating self-assessment that leads clearly to specific strategies to improve outcomes for students”.

John Laramy, Deputy Principal commented “These sorts of accolades from Ofsted are quite rare and it is a real testament to the college’s determination to provide the best possible student experience. The report also gives clear evidence of the commitment, care and talent of our staff. Which when combined with the effort and ability of our students is delivering some truly excellent results”.

A large part of the report focuses on the significant progress made with student achievements across all areas and that working closely in partnership with schools it has “jointly put in place ….. courses that meet students’ needs very well” . Continuing its praise for the college’s role in the community the inspectors add that the college has “broadened its curriculum in a planned way to ensure that it can continue to play a leading role in providing all the tertiary education and training for the city of Exeter and its hinterland”

“This is a report that celebrates also the success of our school partnerships raising the ambitions of our students,” said Richard Atkins, “We are very proud that our work with colleagues in the local schools has contributed to increasing the numbers of students who stay in education and training after year 11”. The report states that there is “compelling evidence of the success of the collaborative arrangements to provide a coherent, well planned 11-19 phase for students in and around Exeter”.

The report also celebrates that “A large majority of students on advanced level courses make outstanding progress and attain at a higher level than might be expected from their prior levels of attainment when they enter the college”

“Following on from our great league tables results earlier this year, this brilliant Ofsted report shows that we are continuously improving , but we are not complacent” Richard Atkins added, “In fact, the report gives us a couple of areas that we can clearly focus on to ensure that we are outstanding across the board”.

Kurtis Schofield, Exeter College’s Students’ Union President welcomed the report that signaled the continued achievements of students and said “It’s important that students at the college get the best possible chance of doing well since it’s so competitive getting a job or going onto university now. I’m really pleased that this reports reflects the good feedback we get from students and that the college is being praised for continually checking out how it can support students. This is another big step towards the outstanding Ofsted rating we deserve”.

AN EXCITING new initiative aimed at encouraging entrepreneurial activity among young people in the Exeter and Heart of Devon is to be launched this month.

Based in Victoria House, Exeter, the YESS Project is designed especially for 14 to 19-year-olds with a view to boosting levels of employment locally through increased business activity, and, in turn, the region’s economy.

Free and available to anyone within the above age bracket, there will be three main elements to the programme which, it is hoped, will encourage participants to set up their own businesses with a view to long-term planning:
• INFORMATION CENTRE – Based in Victoria House, 33-36 Queen Street, Exeter (opposite Exeter Central Station), a drop-in service will be available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Here, individuals will gain access to information packs, and advice will be on offer in addition to internet access and other business materials.
• MENTORSHIP PROGRAMME – A variety of successful local business people are already engaged in the scheme and will also be available to offer support and advice based on their experience and expertise in their specialist area of work.
• BUSINESS WORKSHOPS – Regular workshops will be run to provide young people with the essential business knowledge they need to help them start up their own business.
Intended as a ‘one-stop shop’, the YESS Project is about taking a holistic approach towards venturing into the business world, according to YESS Project Coordinator Charlotte Hayes.

The launch event is taking place on Friday, May 21 with a formal opening at 11am. Open to all, Charlotte promises the day will be an exciting, hands-on and interactive event where young people will have a chance to see how achievable setting up a business is, and to speak to men and women in business in the area who have done it themselves. There will also be an opportunity to take part in a taster business workshop and register for future events, workshops and a newsletter.

She continues: “Young people in Devon have told us they need a single point where they can access business information, support, and learning, and this is exactly what we are aiming to provide. Being involved with this programme will give young people the knowledge and confidence they need to take that step into the world of business, and ultimately it will be a fantastic string to their bow.
“The YESS programme will also help to signpost people to other initiatives in the area – we want to enable access to all the support there is out there. It’s an exciting opportunity for young people in Exeter and Heart of Devon area and we hope to expand and sustain the programme over the coming months.”

The programme is being supported by Devon County Council through Productive Skills for Devon and Exeter College as well as numerous other organisations.

People can find out further information and register for the launch event by dropping in to see the YESS team at Victoria House on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. Alternatively, they can call 01392 205604, or register by email: yess@exe-coll.ac.uk.

IT’S A MUSICAL which has attracted some of the greatest names from the theatrical world to take on its characters in the past.
In Sir Richard Attenborough’s 1969 film version, for example, Dirk Bogarde, Sir John Gielgud, Laurence Oliver, Dame Maggie Smith, and Vanessa and Michael Redgrave were among the A-list cast.
Now, final-year students from Exeter College are taking on the same roles in their end-of-year production of Oh! What A Lovely War, to be performed for peers and the public at Exeter’s Barnfield Theatre later this month.
In total, the cast of 35 students, due to complete their BTEC National Diploma in Performing Arts this Summer, will play 90 characters between them.
For those unfamiliar with the plot, the musical is set in 1914 when Europe is on the brink of war. Propaganda promises would-be soldiers a future of valour and victory, but the frontline offers them a very different fate.
At times moving, at others funny, the script questions the point of war. Sketches, songs and stories are performed by clowns – in this case Pierrot clowns – with lyrics of popular tunes twisted to suit the moods of men on the battlefield.
Tutor Nigel Paul says: “As part of their research for this production, the students have been looking at the plight of anybody who has been on the receiving end of conflict, longing for a return to normality.
“They have learned something of what it must have been like to have been in the First World War and all the wars since then, and have been able to make comparisons with what is going on in the world today.
“Undoubtedly, the part of the show which they have found most moving is during the song When This Lousy War Is Over.”
“The choice of script has given students a real sense of empowerment,” he adds, “as they’ve worked together in small groups and then as a whole cast to develop the production as their own from the outset.
“The ethos of our coursework has been that you have to work together to achieve; as an ensemble, you are only ever as strong as your weakest person so it’s not about working as individuals, it’s about working as a company.”
Hoping that the College’s final-year productions will become recognised as mainstays on the city’s cultural calendar in future years, Nigel continues: “We have a student shortlisted for Bristol Old Vic’s Theatre School and others going to Italia Conti and the Academy of Live and Recorded Artists (ALRA) this year.
“For students who are going on to further their careers in the industry, we hope this production will help them towards reaching their end goal.”
Oh! What A Lovely War will be performed at the Barnfield Theatre from Wednesday, May 19 to Saturday, May 22, at 7.30pm (Thursday and Saturday matinees 2.30pm). For tickets, priced £10 (£8 concessions; £5 students), call the Barnfield Theatre Box Office on 01392 270891. Members of the public welcome.

EXETER College students have been giving up their spare time and weekends to train for this year’s 50th Ten Tors Challenge, with the voluntary help of Exeter College tutors and Ten Tors Managers Mike Whale and Nick Couzens.
Each in teams of six students aged 16 to 19, Exeter College will be entering one team for the 45-Mile and another for the 55-Mile route.
Departing from Okehampton Army Camp at 7am on Saturday, May 8, their journey will see them walking across the whole of Dartmoor in one weekend via some of its most beautiful and challenging tors and landmarks before returning to the military base again on Sunday, May 9.
The 45-Mile and 55-Mile teams have undertaken the Ten Tors Challenge as part of their Enrichment experience while studying at the College.
A third Exeter College team will be taking part in the one-day Jubilee Challenge on the Saturday; an associated Ten Tors event for students with learning and physical disabilities.
Together, the 18 students will be among the students taking part from across the South West this year – 400 teams having registered in total.
Nick, who has completed the Ten Tors Challenge twice himself, in 1993 and 1995, recalls: “It is very, very hard. Mentally and physically it’s almost impossible.
“But afterwards, you don’t really remember that; you think about the huge sense of achievement when you cross that finishing line. It’s not a race and it’s not about competing, it’s about working as a team and helping each other out to get there together.”
He adds: “As part of the challenge, the students will have to be self-sufficient, navigating around the tors, cooking meals from army ration packs, and setting up their tents. Since last September, Mike and I have been taking them up onto Dartmoor and to Haldon Hill for team-building exercises and they have all done incredibly well, so I’m sure they’ll do the College proud.
“What is particularly nice is that these are students who would not normally necessarily study together on the same courses or even on the same sites. Some are from Foundation Studies, others are A level students; some are from Construction and others from Public Services. They are all working really well together as teams.”
Among those taking part is 55-Mile Team Captain Edward Slipzenko, aged 18, of Kingsteignton.
Currently studying for his A levels in History, English Literature, Spanish and Computing at Exeter College, he says: “I decided to take part in Ten Tors because I enjoy being out on the moors, and also to help me with my Royal Navy application.”
Expecting there to be a few ups and downs along the way, he continues: “Rivers will probably be the worst bit, not because they are particularly difficult, but because they can result in you losing quite a bit of time reaching your checkpoint – that and going uphill.
“Obviously, the downhill treks will be among my favourites, but most of all I’ll be looking forward to crossing the finishing line knowing that we’ve covered 55 miles across Dartmoor, having navigated ourselves around the route the whole way.
“What I’ve liked about taking part so far,” he adds, “is that we have been getting out on the moors and going for it. The scenery is great, my team has been working well together, and I’ve really enjoyed being out there with them.”