On Friday 12th December 2025, the Contingent Commander, Officers, Adult Instructors and cadet SNCOs gathered at the Performing Arts Centre for the bi-annual CCF Dinner Night.
The Dinner Night is one of the longest-running CCF traditions at Royal Russell, serving as a sincere thank you to our dedicated volunteer staff who generously give their time to deliver the CCF programme. It also provides senior cadets with their first experience of a formal four-course dinner, complete with speeches, toasts and the opportunity to practise polite conversation with fellow cadets and instructors from across the Contingent. Meanwhile, junior cadets take on the role of waiters for the evening, learning the art of service. From polishing cutlery to serving tea and coffee after dinner, they gain a full and valuable experience that supports their onward progression within the Contingent.
This year, we were honoured to welcome a special guest: Exams Officer Ms Faulkner, who is leaving Royal Russell School after 20 years of diligent service in a variety of roles.
All invited guests assembled in the Reception of Royal Russell School at 1900hrs, along with the waiting team for the evening, led by Lance Corporal Grieve-Dorta. During this time, guests were served hors d’oeuvres and drinks before moving into the Board Room for dinner at 1930hrs. The Board Room had been transformed into a festive Winter Wonderland, complete with tinsel, Christmas crackers and personalised sleigh Christmas ornaments, which also served as place settings.
Following the traditional opening of the Christmas crackers, the first course – a delicious tomato soup – was served, accompanied by festive jokes and the donning of paper crowns. This was followed by an excellent main course of Christmas roast turkey with stuffing and all the trimmings, and concluded with a choice of chocolate cake or traditional Christmas pudding.
After dinner, a cheese board with crackers was served, alongside tea, coffee and petit fours. In keeping with military dining tradition, a glass of port accompanied the toasts. While customs vary between units, at Royal Russell the port decanter must not touch the table until it has completed its journey around the table, with each person pouring port for the individual to their left using their left hand.
The Loyal Toast to His Majesty The King, Patron of the Combined Cadet Force, was given, followed by a speech from Sergeant Edney reflecting on the Contingent. At 2200hrs, the waiters were dismissed, allowing for further conversation and refreshments, before the evening concluded with final farewells at 2230hrs.
The Dinner Night was a thoroughly enjoyable and memorable occasion, and all involved are very much looking forward to the next dinner later in the year.
Written by: Sergeant B Hackett
