MEMBERS of the Colwyn Bay detachment of the Army Cadet Force recalled their adventures at a meeting of the Rhos on Sea Rotary Club.

The members spoke about taking part in an expedition to the Kwa-Zulu Natal region of South Africa last year.

The object of the expedition was to follow the Zulu trail on foot and by boat, taking in the battlefields at Isamdlwaha and Rourke's Drift.

The event had been part-funded by the Rotary club but was mainly funded by the cadets [by their own efforts].

Following an introduction by major John Baxendale, an explanation of the logistics, organising a large group of cadets from the whole of Wales, was provided by 2Lt Andrew Orme.

A spokesperson from the Rotary said: "Andrew described their journey to South Africa, including a number of small 'happenings', up to when the group arrived via Johannesburg at a giraffe game reserve which was to be their initial base. The team then split up into those who were walking and those who were travelling by boat.

"Ex L/Cpl Bryn Baxter talked about their trek along the Zulu trail and the need to adapt to conditions with limited water and shelter.

"Their guides were able to explain the layout of the battle fields and recount more of the history of events.

"They visited a Zulu school and were very impressed by the enthusiasm of the pupils despite the limited equipment and facilities at the school.

"L/Cpl Yori Maguire-Evans was part of the section which canoed along the Tugela river, sleeping in the open air on the banks of the river. Yori was responsible for much of the cooking. Both he and Andrew were impressed by the quiet of their surroundings except for the noises of the animals.

"All agreed their memories of this adventure would stay with them for a lifetime," the spokesperson added.