College cadets on parade

The College was delighted to welcome Commodore S R Kirby, CBE, ADC Royal Navy, Commodore of the Maritime Warfare School, as the Reviewing Officer at the Combined Cadet Force (CCF)'s Annual General Inspection (AGI) today. Cadet WO1 Hugh Risk and Cadet WO1 Rebecca Kjaedegaard were the senior NCOs.

A warm sunny day attracted a large number of parents, guests and Old Epsomians, a number of whom are serving or former serving officers in the armed services.

Her Majesty The Queen, Patron of Epsom College and Captain General of The Combined Cadet Force, sent her best wishes for a most successful and enjoyable day.

The morning began with a Guard of Honour (Guard Commander: Alex Nelson), followed by a full parade of the Contingent and the March-Past supported by the Band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines, Portsmouth, and the College's own Contingent Band.

Commodore Kirby congratulated the cadets on their appearance and performance and spoke about the benefits of taking part in the CCF. "The CCF gives cadets the opportunity to experience challenging situations and to perform well both as an individual and a team. The experience you gain as a team player and leader will serve you well in the world of work and as you go forward in your life," he said.

Trophies were awarded to 5^th former Zoe Sciver for the Best Turnout of the Guard and to L6th former Edmund Peppiatt for Best Cadet in the Leadership Cadre.

For the first time this year children from local prep schools Chinthurst, Aberdour and the Priory attended the morning events, which concluded with a display by the College Drill Team (Guard Commander: Alastair Mazumdar).

After a buffet lunch, enjoyed by CCF staff and guests, both in Big School and on the College lawns, cadets took part in a number of Inter-House competitions involving many skills which demonstrated the training achievements of the Contingent.

In the evening, Commanding Officer Lt Col Mike Hampshire hosted the Annual CCF Dinner for the Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and 6th form NCOs, which this year celebrated Cadet 150.