As a lovely celebration to mark the end of our year 12s service in Cadets the boys and their parents attended a “Dining In” held in Prescott Hall.

The dining in is a formal event for unit members, male and female. The unit chaplain is usually also invited, as was our Paster Michael Bennet. During the 18th century, the British Army incorporated the practice of formal dining into their regimental mess system. Customs and rules of the mess were soon institutionalised rules, known as the “Queen’s Regulations”.

Violations of etiquette are frowned upon such as:

• Untimely arrival at proceedings
• Haggling over date of rank
• Improper wearing of uniform such as an inverted cummerbund (none were spotted)

For the boys the night was a wonderful way to embrace some of these traditional institutions as well as a chance to gather together to celebrate the camaraderie that has developed over the years in Cadets.

A formal portrait with families was also taken as the boys enjoyed the special moment of elegant uniforms and ceremony.

This very special occasion was organised by Major (AAC) Rodney Wood and LT (AAC) Rob Tredinnick (ON 1982), and the boys and families greatly appreciated the efforts made to ensure the evening’s success.