CCF Centenary Celebration Dinner

On an evening in June, the RGS dining hall was finally set for the much anticipated Mess style dinner at which a wide range of guests were to celebrate what is now the NRGS Combined Cadet Force in its Centenary year

The night began with a smooth cocktail of sherry accompanied by jazz piano (played by the current CSM (Cadet Sergeant Major) M R Barlow (53-64), where current and past cadets mingled with each other and with affiliated guests. It was commented on by several of the younger cadets how humbled they were to be able to converse with such a variety of generations, the actual range being from the 1930s to the present. Everyone had a story to tell and all spoke so warmly of their experiences, friends, and skills gained from their time all those years ago.

The photo boards and albums proved popular amongst many who spotted poses of their younger selves from many years ago cooking, marching and commanding others in the cadets. Photos of Lt Col B Banerjee (78-85) could be seen commanding the Guard of Honour parade for the Lord Mayor in his CSM year, a proud tradition still ongoing, with this year’s parade being commanded by the current incumbent, Matthew Walton. Due to new laws preventing cadets carrying weapons in public, this year the parade had to be carried out round the back of the main hall adjacent to the rugby pitch.

Finally the dining hall was ready, and after a warning order from Barrie, our catering superintendent (also ex Catering Corps), the guests took their seats. The tables were set to perfection, the mess silverware provided by 201 Northern Field Hospital glowing in the candlelight, and every detail from the red and blue napkins, chairs and candles to the swords on the top table being addressed appropriately. A short grace was said by C/Sgt (Colour Sergeant) Oliver Lennard, a current cadet.

Prawn-based starters were well received, followed by assortments of steak platters and sweet potato chips juggled with glazed carrots and parsnips, a delicious combination which drained the gravy boats of nearly all the tables. The service by the RGS catering staff was commendable, and ensured the meal ran seamlessly. On the head table sat O/C Major John Camm and Colonel Urquhart from the Youth and Cadet branch of the MOD, the current CSM Matthew Walton and Lt Colonel Steven Phillips of the Royal Marines, (CSM in ‘78-’79), with more guests of honour spreading outwards. The four branching tables contained a good mix of guests, grouped carefully by Captain Mike Barlow to encourage re-acquaintance of old friends and colleagues, just a fraction of the enormous commitment Mike has kindly made to organise the event.

After the remnants of the treacle and custard puddings were collected, cheese boards, mints and port were distributed as “Mr Vice”, C/Sgt Jamie Robson, a current cadet and Head Boy of the school, proposed the Loyal Toast, for which a picture of Her Majesty the Queen had been acquired. He then introduced the speakers, the first being Major Camm, who formally welcomed the guests and gave an enlightening introduction to the RGS CCF as it is today. Next followed Dr Bernard Trafford, the Headmaster, who after explaining his choice of a ‘gigolo-like’ jacket, humorously recounted his time in the cadets as a musician, before expressing his affection for the cadet presence in the school.

Next, Lt Col Phillips gave the toast to the contingent, talking of his years spent in the marines and how his first taste of army life in the cadets had influenced his career. He also pointed out how every person with experience starting from the cadets, no matter the time, was an ambassador for the forces, and the importance of this in boosting representation of the forces in civilian life. He then presented the Crest of the Royal Marines to the O/C Major Camm, to be kept in the CCF Mess.

The response was given by Captain Barlow, who gave a fascinating insight into the history of the NRGS CCF, from its beginning as an Officer Training Corps, joining with the Bridlington Contingent at their first camp, where 5000 cadets were present under canvas, and the journey to becoming the 100 strong Army and Navy Contingent that it is today. Lt Col Banerjee (CSM ‘84-‘85) afterwards presented a set of artillery shells engraved with the names of the four school houses for the Mess, not to be confused with shot glasses of course!

After coffee and port, guests socialised whilst the bar remained open and photographs were taken by Matthew Henderson. A set photo of the 16 CSM’s present was taken, from past to present, followed by the senior cadets, officers, and most other guests who stumbled in front of the lens, all evidently having a great night. The occasion was made more colourful by the attendance of many serving officers (both male and female) in Mess dress.

As the guests were swept out and the bar closed, it is fair to say every person present had a wonderful evening, and were left with a rejuvenated sense of pride for their connection to NRGS CCF.

Matthew Walton (CSM 2010-2011)