To celebrate another successful year of CCF activities the annual dinner was held, recognising triumphs and tribulations of the cadets throughout the academic year, and bidding farewell to those pupils who move on from Shiplake at the end of the summer term. Held in the OVR, the black-tie event saw pupils and staff come together to enjoy a sumptuous three course meal and wine, and reminisce over the year.
On the evening of Wednesday 13 April, Head of Outdoor Education Mr Stephen Macpherson was joined by Headmaster Mr Gregg Davies, senior College staff and external CCF staff to bid farewell to departing Year 13 cadets. Pupils were presented with their leaving Quaich’s, a two-handled cup which is awarded to signify friendship. The Quaich also serves as a gesture of thanks from the CCF, and a memento of the times they have had in the CCF.
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In addition to using the dinner to say a formal farewell to the pupils, it was also the ideal opportunity for the cadet force to say goodbye to Fl Off Nick Sexton, who departs Shiplake for pastures new at Bradfield College in September. Both staff and pupils want to wish him the very best of luck with future adventures.
Mr Macpherson also commented that ‘the senior cadets have been a great asset to the CCF, regularly assisting the staff in delivering the training programme, and gaining the confidence and knowledge to deliver training independently. I’m sorry to see them go, but I know that they all have very bright futures, and I hope that they take the skills and qualities learnt in the CCF forwards onto whatever path they may choose.’
