This black-tie event was held on the evening of Friday 17 January in splendid setting of the Great Hall at Old Swinford Hospital.  The evening was well attended with 50 of the Contingent’s most senior cadets along with staff and honoured guests, including our friends Lt Col Nick David and Capt Jason Till from Shrewsbury CCF.

The food was of a superb standard with cadets and guests enjoying three courses followed by coffee and mints.  We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Mr. Pete Teal and his Catering Team for serving “restaurant-standard food” as described by our governor and great supporter of the CCF, Mr. Stephen Priestnal.  We would also like to thank Mrs. Louise Green, and Mr. Leigh Meneer and his team for their efforts in preparing the Great Hall for the evening.

The evening began with Contingent Commander Flt Lt Jonathan Richardson thanked all those who had attended and those who had made the evening possible.  Headmaster and Contingent Commanding Officer, Mr. Paul Kilbride had the honour of introducing the guest speaker, an old school friend, to those present.  We were extremely fortunate in that the evening coincided with Wng Cdr Tim Bailey (RAF) being back in the UK from California for a short time. Wng Cdr Bailey is currently the UK Liaison Officer to US Space Command.  He kindly agreed (under no coercion from Mr. Kilbride I’m sure) to join us as our guest of honour and speaker for the evening.  He gave all those present a superb insight into the most modern area of the Armed Forces as we look to the future.

The evening had commenced with grace read by WO Wood, who is our senior Army Cadet.  The Loyal Toast was made by our Senior Cadet WO Hamilton-Roderick (RAF), in his last of five committed years with the CCF.

Whilst the awards of Best Cadet, Best Army and Best RAF are a firm part of the school’s Prize Giving ceremony later in the Summer, the remainder of the CCF Awards are given out at the Annual Dinner.  Well done to all those cadets who received awards on the evening.  Sgt McTaggart (RAF) was awarded Best Signaller for his abilities displayed both in the classroom and the field.  Sgt Green (RAF) was awarded the trophy for Best Foot Drill, having not only displayed excellent ability in this area himself but also assisting other cadets with their own drill.  Sgt Pickering (RAF) received the award for Best Turned-Out Cadet, having shown an excellent standard of personal admin both on the parade ground and in the field, whilst Sgts B and E Oliver (Army) were awarded Best Trainer for their excellent combined delivery of the lesson on observations whilst on exercise.

The Annual Dinner was closed by Chair of Feoffees and long-standing friend and supporter of the CCF, Mr. Malcolm Wilcox.  Mr. Wilcox gave poignant and captivating words of advice and encouragement to all the young men and women present.  He urged them to enjoy their time with the CCF whilst reminding them that they carry the great name of Old Swinford Hospital with them as they go forward in their lives.

The evening concluded with Year 12 and 13 cadets joining staff and guests for light refreshments and conversation in Barn Block before heading home.

It was a wonderfully traditional and enjoyable evening that shall become a much-anticipated event on the CCF and OSH social calendar, I am sure!