We are delighted to announce the winners of the CCF 2017 photo competition.
In the competition’s second year, the theme was to show the sense of adventure in the CCF and to offer an insight into the cadet experience.
We received some fantastic entries, highlighting skill and creativity from both adults and cadets.
The winners each collected £300 of photography vouchers, while the runners up got £100 of vouchers.
The winning image is of a muddy cadet climbing a balance beam on part of the Krypton Factor obstacle course at Adrenalin in North Yorkshire. This was part of the contingent’s annual camp package offered by Wathgill Camp in July 2017.
Henry said: “The cadets loved the Krypton Factor obstacle course, they were all filthy by the end of the day but had huge smiles on their faces. It is always tricky to summarise a day out in a single picture but this one does a pretty good job; mud, support, challenge and fun all rolled into one.”
The winning image shows Cadet LCpl Zac Cresswell during an adventure training package on Helvellyn in the Lake District.
Ethan said: “Photography is a hobby of mine and so I had been taking photos of our trips for a montage of all the cadet experiences we have taken part in so I have a whole collection of photos and videos. I took this particular photo as it summed up exactly what cadets is all about: fun, ambition and adventure training. I was absolutely shocked as I didn’t think I would win so I was ecstatic when I first heard the news and couldn’t sit still! I am hoping to put the vouchers towards the purchase of a 1300D Canon camera.”
Capt Matt Isherwood, Contingent Commander of the Brooke Weston Trust CCF said: “We are delighted for Sgt Mathieson. He always plays a full and active part in all CCF tasks and the expedition to Helvellyn was just one of the adventurous activities that our cadets have enjoyed. It is gratifying that this shot has been selected as exemplifying the spirit of the CCF, which allows cadets nationwide to enjoy teamwork, training and adventure activities in a range of locations.”
And the runners up were…
Colin’s image is captioned ‘Be the Best’ and features Cadet Cpl Amy Matthews at annual camp Beckingham. Colin kindly donated his prize to the cadet runner up to encourage him to keep taking pictures.
Colin said: “The CCF offers opportunities for young people to experience life in uniform, doing nothing at Gresham’s has never been an option!”
Myles’ image was taken during the CCF (Royal Navy) annual regatta that took place at Southport Marina in October 2017. He managed to capture the tight racing that took place over the weekend event.
Owen is the student photographer for all four contingents that make up the Priory Federation of Academies. His image shows fellow cadet, Cpl Callum Nicol, in the prone position on a 100m GP Rifle Range at RAF Beckingham.
Owen said: “I'm delighted to be selected as runner up for the national 2017 photography competition. Within my contingent, I have recently been awarded the rank of Corporal as recognition of my commitment to the media specialism of our own Combined Cadet Force. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time so far with the cadet force and hope to capture more of the experiences in the future."
And the best of the rest of the entries…
Adults:
Maj Cath Cardwell, Bangor Grammar School CCF, her image was captioned ‘Mud, mud, glorious mud!’ and was taken during summer camp in June 2017.
Our overall adult winner, Lt Henry Fairwood, also entered these images.
Sgt Harris of Barnard Castle School CCF bouldering on the Scottish coast during adventure training camp in April 2017.
LCpl Callaghan of Barnard Castle School CCF on patrol during the Advanced Tactics stand at Wathgill Camp, Catterick during annual camp in July 2017.
Cpl Robinson of Barnard Castle School CCF mountain biking on the trails during adventure training camp, April 2017, in Galloway Forest Park.
Cadets from Barnard Castle School CCF being supported by a Winnock’s .50 Cal during Exercise Black Rat.
One of our runners up, Colin Scholes, also entered some further action shots of his cadets at Gresham’s School.
‘A life on the Ocean waves’ - taken at Blakeney Pit (North Norfolk) during RN camp.
‘Good friends’ - taken on Area H at STANTA training area during a field day.
‘Top Guns’ taken during the National Cadet Clay Target competition at Cambridge Gun Club.
And from our second runner up Myles Ripley at Sedbergh School.
‘Dawn Scene’ – taken in Seathwaite, Lake District.
Cadets sailing at Killington Reservoir.
And for the cadets, our runner up, Owen Frances, took this action shot at Crowborough Training Camp of CFAV 2Lt Gemma Anthony on the archery ranges.
