Cadets entertain at CCFA annual dinner

On Monday 11 December, teachers, contingent commanders, SSIs, CFAVs, trustees and supporters of the CCF joined together for the Combined Cadet Force Association’s annual dinner in London.

The evening was a celebration of 2017 and the achievements of schools from across the country – those brand new to the CCF and those who have had contingents for many years.

Providing entertainment throughout the evening was Northumberland Church of England Academy CCF and band.

A group of 19 cadets travelled to the event; for some it was the first time they’d been to London. Despite a few nerves the group performed with confidence and gusto, showcasing just what they’ve learned since joining the NCEA CCF and band.

Major Eyton Parker, Contingent Commander, said: “We’ve been going since 2013, part of the second tranche of the Cadet Expansion Programme, the Pipe Band since the beginning but wind and choir only in the last year or so.

“The cadets were a mixture of excited and nervous about performing at such a prestigious event. They’ve done a lot of performances in the year but all take time and rehearsals - which can be tiring. Most of them do green training too (with the Army section) and the weekend previously they had been at Otterburn camp.”

Members of the school’s Pipe Band also performed Highland Dance wowing the attendees with both a sword dance and a fling – just two of the large number of dances that are learnt during classes two nights a week.

Music throughout the evening was a mixture of traditional Welsh, Irish, English and Scottish to reflect the cross section of the nations in attendance. As the grand finale, the band played La Boum Ecosse and were accompanied by a special guest piper from the Royal Dragoon Guards