40 Years Since the First OLCS DofE Expedition

The first OLCS DofE expedition took place 40 years ago in 1986. Since then, there have been many bronze, silver and gold walks taking place. Take a look at some photos and extracts from the log book of the many memories that were made.

“We were on our way! We started along a treacherous path – if you could call it a path! It was made purely of slippery mud on the very edge of a vertical hill…We reached checkpoint one just as it began to rain. We hadn’t noticed the huge black cloud following us discretely…We put on our waterproof jackets but unfortunately didn’t think to put on our fashionable waterproof trousers. This was an unwise move because little did we know that soon we would be trudging though wet cabbage fields for miles!“

“It all began many, many terms ago when we, six innocent convent girls were stood at the crossroads of our lives. We were faced with the exciting prospect of a D of E adventure that would change our lives forever! We were young and naive and so volunteered enthusiastically to embark on the exhilarating journey that would be etched on our souls!“

“We all struggled ‘painlessly’ on our swollen feet down the almost vertical hill, moaning quietly about a number of things. It was unbelievable, the walk had only just begun and we were already in pain. The only thing which kept us from falling down to our knees with exhaustion was either the very steep drop, or the football spirit. Knowing that England was playing that evening we had to make it home to watch tv. Dead or alive. Preferably alive!“