A leader both within the Royal Air Force and on rock faces throughout the world, Air Vice-Marshal Nick Kurth has now taken over from Colonel Julian Radcliffe as the new Chairman of the Ulysses Trust. Julian steps down from the role after several years of valuable service for which his sterling efforts are much appreciated by all, and he will remain a Vice Patron of the Trust for the foreseeable future.
Starting as he means to go on, Nick has a keen vision for further developing the Trust’s role in supporting Cadet and Reserve Forces’ adventurous training, and has already outlined a number of new initiatives all of which will make a significant difference to the Trust in the coming years.
One of Nick’s first official roles was to attend a prestigious ceremony at the House of Commons during which he presented a Ulysses Trust Award to WO2 Dave Bellamy from 299 Para Sqn RE(V).
Exercise HIMALAYAN SAPPER 2012, led by Captain Jon Evans and WO2 Dave Bellamy saw 9 novices and 3 instructors drawn from 299 Para Sqn RE(V) and other RE(V) units undertake high altitude trekking in Nepal, culminating in climbing Island Peak (6189m), as well as a quick detour to the Everest Base camp.
For not only stunning pictures of their high altitude trekking, but also for their leadership and accomplishment thus meeting the Ulysses Trust’s demanding standards of challenge, adventure and personal development, 299 Para Sqn RE(V) was awarded the Ulysses Trust’s 2013 Volunteer Reserve Best Imagery Award for this highly successful expedition.