CCF
FINISHING 2017 WITH STYLE!
Cpl Smith and Cpl Bradbeer for the dinner. Once the cadets had settled into the venue and identified where they were placed in the seating plan, Corporal Smith took control by tapping the mess Gavel and inviting the cadets to take their seat. All cadets waited behind their chair, until Corporal Smith said the Army Air Corps Grace, then followed Dr Riding as he took his seat. The cadets who had been briefed on mess etiquette prior to the meal, were excellent and completed the second formality politely as the gentlemen pulled out the chair for lady next to them.
Before we report on Contingent operations of 2018, we must first acknowledge the tremendous efforts of all whom attended the inaugural Cadets Christmas Mess Dinner. The event was a truly defining moment for the Contingent as our guests of honour, which included Dr Riding, Mr Brian Ralph Co Chair Governor and WO2 John Kelly were all impressed by how fantastically the cadets conducted themselves and how well turned out they were.
I would personally like to thank all parents for supporting us and your outstanding children who ensured the cadets conformed to our high standards and dress code.
The cadets were transported by coach to Cumberwell Park, where they were greeted by the Captain Fairnington, taking the role of President of the Mess for the evening. The position of vice president of the mess was shared by
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A three course meal was provided and the dishes delivered were of outstanding quality, meals included Crab & Smoked Mackerel Pate with Mooli with a Risotto Biscuit, Duck Rillette served with Apricot Compote & Parmesan Polenta, Traditional Roast Turkey served with all the Trimmings, Braised Lamb Shank, Parsley Mash and Mulled Wine Jus, Cinnamon and Passion Fruit Panna Cotta with Clementine Biscuit and Warm Chocolate Brownie with Chocolate Sauce & Ice Cream. The most popular dishes were traditional turkey and the warm chocolate brownie that definitely lived up to expectation. We send our sincerest thanks to our hosts, who contributed to making the night so special.
Concluding the meal, the gavel was tapped as Corporal Bradbeer led the toasts, starting with the Captain General of the Combined Cadet Force who is our sovereign the Queen. This was followed by toasts to our affiliated regiment the Army Air Corps and the Contingent itself. Substituting the traditional toasting drink of port for Red Grape shloer did not prevent the cadets from getting a little carried away and we had to politely remind them there is more than one toast, but this lightened the mood and clearly demonstrated the cadets were enjoying the experience.
Having completed the toasts speeches commenced, Captain Fairnington led the speeches mentioning his memorable moments at Matravers thus far and following some interesting feedback took this opportunity to clarify how and why the Contingent makes him proud.
“The moments that I will remember as my proudest will be seeing my NCOs leading without guidance, the cadet who completely changes their attitude to school because they have found something that makes them happy to be there or the moment I see my Contingent take care of one another around school or at camps because that for me is the definition of success within cadets.”
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