Harold (Bill) Kingston - Aberdovey, Wales, 1951

When we arrived at Aberdovey station we were met by met by some tough ex navy guys proceeded to give us a taste of what was to prove a very rude awakening for us city boys. However we soon got used to the discipline and even accepted being run down to the beach, at 7 am,stripping off and, being ordered to plunge into the cold sea. We then had to shower in cold water at the beech site, before heading back for a very welcome breakfast. We were taken week by week for the next month though all manner of sports event, our results being carefully recorded and compared week by week. Som remarkable results were obtained by boys who had never done anything like this before. I think this summed up what Outwardbound is all about. Proving that anyone can achieve anything by trying. The hikes every week were a wonderful experience of team work. The Cader Idris climb on the 4th week being particularly challengig and satisfying. I made some very good friends and would not have missed it for the world. I thank my company for sending me. I hope that I can get in touch with some of the boys who took part with me.