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The Wingham Advance-Times, 1983-04-13, Page 17Serving over 25,000 homes in Listowel, Wingham, Mount Forest, Milverton, Elmira, Palmerston, Harriston, Brussels, Atwood, Monkton, Millbank, Newton, Clifford, Wallenstein, Drayton, Moorefield and Arthur. Wednesday, ApriI13, 1983 DAVID READ (foreground) and Dwayne Congdon were among the climbers on the Canadian expedition on Mount Everest. They stand beside a model of the mountain dur- ing a tour stop in Waterloo at the Conestogo Mall. Canadian Everest climbers on tour raising money, telling of their experience by Kim Dadson Canada's reputation in mountain climbing received a boost when the first Canadian expedition to Mount Everest successfully reached the summit in October of 1982. According to Dwayne Congdon, one of the eight climbers and 12 Sherpa guides to successfully challenge the world's highest mountain, Canadian experience has been mostly with alpine climbing, the type of mountaineering Congdon teaches in his native Alberta. Canadian experience with higher mountains is limited. Congdon and a fellow climber, David Read of Vancouver, were at Waterloo's Conestogo Mall recently as part of a Canadian tour educating the public about the climb and raising funds to help pay some outstanding debts left from the expedition. it cost $500,000 to outfit the original 16 climbers and five support staff with food and equipment. According to Martin Fin- nerty, coordinator of the tour, about $40,000 still needs to be raised. If over $40,000 is raised through the tour it will go towards future Canadian expeditions in the Himalayas. Much of the donated equipment (included in the $500,000) for the trip was left in storage at Katmandu, the capital of Nepal, ready for use in the next Canadian ex- pedition. 'The Nepalese government has invited Canada to return to Everest in 1985. All climbs are at the invitation of the Nepalese government. Roger Marshall, who was later dropped from the expedition, wrote in 1976 to request a permit for a Canadian expedition. Permission was given for a 1982 climb. The mountain is booked until the 1990s. Congdon at 25 was the youngest Canadian to take part in the Everest climb; the oldest climber was Lloyd Gallagher, 42. Congdon has been climbing most of his life and is a mountain guide and instructor in the Canadian Rockies. His reputation as a climber before him, he was asked to join the Everest expedition in the fall of 1980, He wasn't immediately accepted but had to submit a resume, as did all members of the team. "Just to be part of the team 1 was honored," says Congdon. "Just the op- portunity 1 couldn't pass up. The climbing community in Canada is ashamed of us and i don't know why." he adds. He refers to controversy about the climb but is unable to pinpoint what caused the poor image surrounding it. Marshall, the climber to get the permit to climb the mountain was dropped, apparently for contravening a contract signed by climbers before they left Canada. And the climb was not without tragedy. A CBC cameraman, Blair Griffiths, and three Sherpa guides were killed after which several climbers left the expedition. The most significant part of the trip, according to Congdon, was the fact the team was able to continue.after the accidents. The expedition was a large one, but it had to be, says Congdon, because of the lack of Canadian experience. Climbing in the Rockies, or alpine clim- bing is on smaller mountains with easy access. "In order to get a challenge clim- bers go in small teams and carry everything on their backs," explains Congdon. And climbs are often made in one day. On the other hand, the Himalayas are twice as big as the Rockies (Everest's peak is 29,028 feet) and the assent is slower and oxygen is needed. "You must allow time for ac- climatization," says Congdon. "You must go slowly — that's why several camps are set up between the base and the peak." The climb is made in sections between camps with equipment and supplies carried between each. At higher altitudes, just one step at a time is an effort. Another significant part about the climb according to Congdon was the solid three weeks spent above 20,000 feet. After the accidents they closed off the ice fall, or access, to base camp so climbers were not able to return to the base to regenerate strength, a common practice. "The body starts to deteriorate at that altitude," explains Congdon. "You actually start to die. You can grow old very fast up there." If a climber didn't ,allow his body to ac- climatize and attempted to move too quickly, he would get sick and death could result. The team started climbing above base camp on Aug. 20 and Laurie Skreslet reached the summit on Oct. 5. Both Read and Congdon reached Camp Four at 24,185 feet, the last camp prior to the summit. "it was a team effort." comments Read. The Canadian tour publicizing, the climb started seven weeks ago and will end in Ottawa on June 11. A maritime tour is planned for the fall. As well as an im- pressive photo display, the climbers give presentations for -which there is a charge. They are also selling posters and pamphlets about the climh. here is something for everyone in the Royal Canadian Air Cadets "Form up!" commands David White, acting warrant officer of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, 895 Squadron. Obediently, 35 cadets line up in two flights with three rows to a flight, standing at at- tention. So starts another meeting of the Mount Forest cadets, held at Mount Forest District High School. Previously, they had been meeting at Mount Forest Public School but interest has grown dramatically since the cadets started meeting on September 29, 1982, and larger quarters were needed. A larger gymnasium, more office space and larger classroom facilities were provided at the high school. March 30 marked the first meeting held at the high school and it was one that cadets and officers alike will remember for a long time since this was the night when the long- awaited cadet uniforms were finally issued. All evening the cadets tried on and in- spected their uniforms to see what fit and what didn't. Wrong sizes and missing ar- ticles from the uniforms all helped to create a general air of confusion throughout the meeting. "Things are usually much more disciplined and controlled," says Gordon Reid, chairman of the sponsoring . com-- mittee for the Mount Forest cadets. "Once we get complete uniforms for all of the cadets, they will look extremely sharp," adds Mr. Reid. After form up is called, roll call is taken by Mr. White. Each name is called and, one - by -one, cadets come to attention and reply, "Here", "Sir" or some other affirmative response. David Blasko, a constable with the Mount Forest OPP and acting captain for the cadets, addresses the squadron. Captain Blasko announces that the acting cadet officers, pending approval from the Ministry of National Del'ettee, will be taken for a ride in a glider at the Huron Air Park, *f Centralia, on April 24. Mr. Blasko airs reminds the cadets that they will compete in an inte-squad sports day at Camp Borden on May 1. Fifteen squadrons will be competing in the event and Mr. Reid is confident that the Mount Forest cadets will do very well. "We have only been in existence for a few months, but already our cadets have distinguished themselves . . . They com- peted in an invitational meet in Pickering and they came out a very close second, out of the 26 squadrons that were entered," said Mr. Reid. At the end of the meeting the drill sergeants — second highest ranking cadets — line up the cadets again for the inspection which comes at the end of every meeting. Second Lieutenant George Dudich, also a constable with the OPP and the training officer for the cadets, and Captain Blasko, followed by Warrant Officer White, inspect the squadron. The officers' walk in front and behind each row of cadets, stopping every now and then to make some minor ad- justments to the uniform of a cadet. On a regular Wednesday night, cadet meetings usually follow the same orderly pattern. Warrant Officer White gives the order to form up and the cadets quickly comply with his request. A roll call is taken after which the cadets divide into separate classes where the various aspects of cadet training, like meteorology, citizenship, 'engines or navigation, are taught. These classes usually. last for 45 minutes. Also included in the evening is some type of sporting activity, followed by another period of classroom instruction. The meetings take place only once a week, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. from September to June. Extra events like fundraisers and campouts take place on weekends. "It does not take up a lot of a student's time, but the time they do spend here is really worth their while," says Mr. Reid. in order to keep an organization like the cadets running, a lot of administrative personnel are needed. Brian Crawford, a second lieutenant and supply officer, and Lucy Tremblay, administration officer, both help to keep the cadets ahead of the mounds of paperwork. "It is not uncommon to spend more than 30 hours of our own time working for the cadets . . . This is only for someone who really enjoys this type of work," remarked Mr. Dudich. The cadets also need a lot of community support. says Mr. Reid. "We have tried to get other service clubs besides the Legion and the Lions Club in- volved with the cadets but it has been dif- ficult. They are worried that we will ask them for money but that is not the case. All we want is their time and involvement." A necessary part of cadet activities is fund raising. The 453 Wing of the RCAF Association of Mount Forest supplied most of the funding and the Ministry of National Defence also supplies some funds, but the cadets themselves raise some money over the course of a year to defray the expenses that aren't paid for by these organizations. Canvassing door to door and chocolate bar sales are a few methods that cadets use to raise funds. "Fly -in Breakfasts" are another way in which funds are raised by Wing 452. Starting on May 22, fly -in breakfasts will be served at the landing strip at Mike Rundle's farm in Arthur Township. Pilots from all over Ontario will be invited to land at Mr. Run- dle's airstrip and receive a free breakfast. The pilot's crew and passengers will have to pay for their breakfast. This is a good way to make money and have fun at the same time. In addition to serving the breakfasts, the cadets will be required to assist in parking the aircraft. Many things are taught at cadets, but the main emphasis is on the study of airplanes and flying. Airplane engines, aerodynamics and instrumentation are just a few things which the cadets learn about. "If there are people out there who are interested in flying, they should come in and see us," said Mr. Reid. Parachuting will also be available for interested cadets. The training and supervision for this will be supplied by Captain Blasko, who is an experienced jumper. Summer camp is another important aspect of cadet training. This summer the Mount Forest squadron will be sending approximately 35 cadets to a summer camp which is reserved strictly for the cadets. Cadets will actually get paid to attend this summer camp. It is not mandatory that a cadet attend summer camp, but it does provide an excellent opportunity for a student to have fun and make money at the same time. Rifle shooting, which is taught by Mr. Dudich, and the martial arts, taught by black -belt holder. Captain Blasko, will also be available for the cadets. Inter -squadron competitions, such as the one to be held at Camp Borden, include rifle shooting as well as the regular sports events. Citizenship is also taught at cadets. Making sure that young cadets turn into mature adults is extremely important to cadet instructors. "We teach the kids how to handle responsibility," says Mr. Reid, who was a cadet during his youth. All of the activities which the cadets provide, like gliding, parachuting, and rifle shooting, cost nothing. The only thing the cadets have to pay for is the cleaning and Photos and story by Frank Keller FORM UP!!—Acting Warrant Officer Dave White gives the command to "form -up" to the cadets of Squadron 895 of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets. The squadron, located in Mount Forest, has been in existence since September. up -keep of their uniforms. "If the cadets do these things through the (military) services, ihcosts them nothing," says Mr. Reid. To learn how to parachute in private lessons, for example, would cost over $100. A lot of cadet activites are sports -oriented but there is something for everyone in cadets. "We know that not everyone can par- ticipate in every different type of sport," notes Mr. Reid. One thing which the cadets hope to acquire in the future, for instance, is an instrumental marching band. Doris French, a cadet ° supporter, has volunteered her services as the future band leader. At the present time, the cadets do not own any instruments, but they are looking at the possibility of buying the instruments which the former Mount Forest District High School marching band used. The high school's student council is now getting the instruments appraised and the cadets have the first option to buy the instruments. Getting a name is another priority on the cadet agenda. Presently, the cadets are referred to only by their squadron number, -but- they arelooking-foradistincit-ve"name of their own. "Every squadron in Canada has its own name and we are looking for a name that would suit this squadron. We wanted to name ourselves The Hornets, but the Ministry of National Defence wouldn't grant our request. because a squadron in British Columbia has already got that name," said Mr. Reid. Joining the cadets provides a student with many interesting career opportunities. There -is absolutely no obligation regarding future military training in the services, but those who do decide to enlist will have a tremendous advantage over the regular -enlisted members. Joining the cadets is a simple matter. All one has to do is attend one of the Wednesday night meetings and, if one is between 13 and . 18 years of age, and if the administrators feel one would benefit from the cadets, then the necessary registration forms will be provided. "Our aim is to get as many of the young people involved as possible in the cadets," said Mr. Reid. "There are a lot of kids out there who need us, who need to belong to something." Girls as well as. boys are welcome in the cadets, says Mr. Reid and.this is proven by the local group's attendance: ap- ptloximately 30 per cent of the Mount Forest cadets are girls. The Mount Forest cadets have been of- ficially recognized for only a few months but the squadron has already developed beyond expectations. The future looks bright; and, as Mr. Reid puts it, "We are only just beginning." ROYAL CANADIAN AIR CADETS EXECUTIVE MEMBERS—Leaders of the Mount Forest branch of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets Squadron 895 recently pos- ed for this photograph. Officers include Henry Dell, civilian in- structor: Lucy Tremblay, administrative officer: Gordon Reid. chairman of the sponsoring committee: David Blasko, ding officer, George Dudich, training officer. Absent were Brian Crawford, supplies officer, and Doris French, band of ricer comman-