---Larne Platoon in Canada---
The Calcutta cup 2002 patrol competition brought with it, a rapid improvement in the performance of the Larne Platoon patrol team. Their performance brought them 3rd place and only 60 points behind the winners, Faughan Valley. Their success included winning the First Aid stand, the Skill at Arms stand and the Shooting stand. They won a trophy and a shield.
This success brought with it another prize! The team got the chance to go to Alberta, Canada with 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment. They travelled along with the other successful teams to qualify 1st, 2nd and 3rd. This included 1st N.I. Battalion winners Faughan Valley and the two best teams from the 2nd N.I. Battalion of the Army Cadet Force.
While out in Canada, the lads got the opportunity to try mountain biking in the Rocky mountains, followed by a day hiking, surrounded by outstanding scenery. They also tried various demonstrations with Plastic explosives galore. The lads had the opportunity to experience the Canadian way of life by visiting Canadian cadets, visiting the Edmonton Police, the Canadian Military fire Brigade and the famous "West Edmonton Mall" known for being the worlds largest shopping centre. While in Canada the lads lived in Canadian Military bases and ate different types of Canadian foods (not available or even heard of back in Northern Ireland).
The lads returned home to their home province tired, but with enough Canadian souvenirs to start a shop! To sum up the entire trip, the best word would be "Indescribable"
-- By Cadet Sgt Maxwell
