A Triumphant Return: West Buckland CCF Mess Dinner
West Buckland CCF hosted their first CCF Mess Dinner in nearly three years! Organised by the OWBA, the dinner was a resounding success, with 19 smartly dressed cadets from Years 10 to 13 in attendance. The cadets and guests, including OWBs, members of the Veteran Rifle Club, serving and retired military parents, and Governors, were treated to a surprise performance of Scottish music by Mark the Bagpiper from Barnstaple Pipers Band in the Memorial Hall, in recognition of St Andrew’s Day. Guests followed the piper to the dinner venue, the Karslake Hall.
The evening was attended by 56 guests, including the guest speaker, Colonel Rob Jones (RM), who captivated the cadets with his speech. As a former Commanding Officer of RMB Chivenor, he shared his journey in the Royal Marines, delivering a powerful message about “collective responsibility: mission and team first, yourself last.”
During the evening, six cadets received promotions, ranging from Lance Corporal to Sergeant, and five trophies were awarded to the top cadets:
- Best RAFAC Cadet – Sgt Amy H
- Best Army Cadet – Cadet Suzie H
- Best NCO – Cpl Rivers V
- Most Improved Shot – Cadet Rupert F
- Above & Beyond – Cpl Luke C
The most senior cadets in Year 13 were also recognised for their five years of dedicated service to the Contingent.
The Headmaster, Captain Phillip Stapleton, commended the cadets on their achievements and advocated for the CCF Mess Dinner to become an annual tradition.
Flying Officer RAFAC Liz Cwilewicz, the Contingent Commander, expressed her pride in successfully organising the dinner after such a long hiatus. She credited the invaluable support of Colonel Gary Candlish, President of the Mess Committee (PMC), who guided the process throughout. Colonel Candlish also praised his ‘right-hand wing lady’, SSgt Ella S, who served as Mr/Madam Vice and hosted the event with great professionalism.
