At the kind invitation of Col (Retd.) Peter Gooderson, Regimental Secretary of The Royal Welsh, a group of staff and cadets from the school were generously hosted to a formal Mess Dinner at the Maindy Barracks of the Royal Regiment on Friday (29th Jan) night.
The Christ College CCF contingent is proud to wear the cap-badge of the Regiment, and the invitation was in recognition of the lasting warm relationship between Christ College and the Royal Welsh.
The invitation was extended to a number of Senior Officers and Cadets from the school's CCF, and was also attended by the Deputy Head, Mr Simon Spencer, on the Head's behalf, and Mr Stephen Maggs, the school's Development Director.
The dinner was hosted by Major General Roddy Porter, Colonel of the The Royal Welsh Regiment, and Colonel Commandant, The Prince of Wales' Division. Maj. Gen. Porter is a vastly experienced soldier, and is currently Chief of Staff (Joint Warfare Development) at the army's Permanent Joint Headquarters in Northwood; he is also President of the Armed Forces Christian Union.
Also present were Lt Col Bob Slay, who is based in Brecon and is in charge of army recruitment in Wales, and Lt Col Ed Brain, who is the Commanding Officer of the 3rd Battalion of The Royal Welsh.
The staff and pupils were joined by young officers from the Royal Welsh Regiment, including 2Lt. David Morrell (OB), known well to the Christ College pupils present. The meal was accompanied by a band from the Regimental Band of The Royal Welsh, the last surviving brass band in the British Army.
Notwithstanding the formality and sense of occasion the meal was a convivial occasion, with the young officers mixing amiably with the Christ College pupils, and impressing with their demeanour and tales of the active service they've seen already in their army careers.
At the end of the evening, and following the National Anthem and loyal toasts, the Major General spoke enthusiastically of the rapport between the Royal Welsh Regiment and Christ College, both on the military and sporting fronts, with the Regiment presently sponsoring the annual Rugby Sevens Tournament each February. Cadet RSM Sam Joseph, who leads the school's CCF Contingent, thanked the Major General for the Regiment's hospitality and continuing friendship towards Christ College; he also presented a school plaque which the Major General promised to display prominently.
