Praise for CCF at Biennial Review
<p style=”text-align: justify;”>The CCF had its Biennial Inspection on Tuesday 29 March. The inspecting officer was Group Captain B V H Walcot, RAF Station Commander at RAF Brampton.</p> <p style=”text-align: justify;”>The afternoon began with the formal inspection of the Guard of Honour led by Regimental Sergeant Major Vaclav Prusa; this was accompanied by music from the Bancroft’s Concert Band, which is currently in rehearsal for its forthcoming trip to Paris, when the Band will play at Disneyland Paris. The inspection was watched by the Mayor of Redbridge (Councillor Jim O’Shea), Mr Stephen Foakes (the Chairman of the School Governors), the Head, as well as other visiting dignitaries, staff and parents.</p> <p style=”text-align: justify;”>Following the formal inspection, the cadets spent an afternoon participating in and demonstrating various CCF activities, including challenges such as the construction of vehicles out of what looked like over sized meccano, rifle drills and pitching tents in Epping Forest. The highlight of the afternoon for many was the chance to take part in a laser shooting game on the school field, dodging the opposition to remain last team standing. The CCF annual prize giving followed. Group Captain Walcot, who presented the various awards, said the day was a celebration of the work of the unit and thanked members of staff for their commitment to the CCF. She remembered her own days in the CCF and the many opportunities it had given her. In her formal review she commented on the enthusiasm, high standards and professionalism she witnessed during the afternoon. Finally, the entire contingent, paraded with march past; Group Captain Walcot said, “again, as with the Guard of Honour, the standard of drill was excellent, which is all the more noteworthy given having to march on grass and without music.”</p> <p style=”text-align: justify;”>As part of the prize giving, Contingent Commander Major Robert Hitching presented a cheque for £2,200 to Captain James Garside of the Royal Anglian Regiment. This money had been raised for the Royal Anglian Benevolent Fund by the Cadets by means of a sponsored event, when they had to undergo the physical challenge of the army’s basic fitness test for recruits. The school’s unit benefit greatly from assistance from the Royal Anglian Regiment and the cadets thought it fitting they should give something back to the Regiment in thanks.</p> <p style=”text-align: justify;”><img src=”images/stories/P3290018web.jpg” alt=”P3290018web” width=”275″ height=”207″ /><img src=”images/stories/P3290024web.jpg” alt=”P3290024web” width=”288″ height=”205″ /></p> <p style=”text-align: justify;”><img src=”images/stories/P3290031web.jpg” alt=”P3290031web” width=”274″ height=”205″ /><img src=”images/stories/P3290100web.jpg” alt=”P3290100web” width=”272″ height=”204″ /></p> <p style=”text-align: justify;”><img src=”images/stories/P3290094web.jpg” alt=”P3290094web” width=”269″ height=”201″ /><img src=”images/stories/P3290164web.jpg” alt=”P3290164web” width=”265″ height=”200″ /></p> <p style=”text-align: justify;”> </p> <p style=”text-align: justify;”> </p> <p style=”text-align: justify;”> </p> <p> </p>
