CCF Mess Dinner and Awards Night

Camouflage was swapped for Mess Kit, ball gowns or black tie as 138 members of the King’s School CCF gathered in all their finery for their annual Mess Dinner, held this year in the splendid surroundings of Grafton Manor in Bromsgrove.

After welcome drinks and photographs in the beautiful grounds, everyone moved inside just before the rain for a fine dinner, followed by the Loyal Toast, speeches, and the presentation of thank-you gifts and awards, including Leavers’ Medals for the departing Upper Sixth cadets.

The Bede Fenton cup was awarded to Cadet Company Sergeant Major Sophie P an Upper Sixth Former in the army section who has demonstrated her exceptional leadership and personal skills, not only in her final year but throughout her time in the CCF. In Sophie’s final year as a cadet she has worked extremely hard to maintain standards across the year groups and has been a constant support to both Officers and cadets alike.

The Bertie Wooton Cup was awarded to Cadet Flight Sergeant Abi G, an Upper Sixth Former in the RAF section who has again demonstrated exceptional leadership and personal skills. Once again Abi has shown time and time again that she is an exceptional instructor, leader and Cadet and has successfully bridged the Officer/ Cadet divide with ease.

The Peter Lau Endeavour Shield was awarded to Cadet Max Manning, who has shown exceptional determination in the face of adversity. Max has shown particular commitment and Integrity. He joined the CCF late in his school career, as a sixth former. This meant training as a recruit with cadets much younger than himself. This did not bother Max and he showed no expectation for any special dispensation. Max has worked extremely hard, attending almost every available training opportunity and has progressed enormously throughout the year. He even started to take on some leadership responsibilities along the way.