Thursday 11th March 2010
A spectacular parade and drill display marked the beginnings of the celebrations for 150th anniversary of the Combined Cadet Force at Tonbridge.
A public open afternoon on March 10th, held in conjunction with the CCF units in neighbouring schools (Skinners’, Judd and Sevenoaks) welcomed crowds of over 1000. The afternoon commenced with the formal ceremony, with the Troops inspected by Major General Mike Tennant and accompanied by the band of the Parachute Regiment. Guests then had the opportunity to observe and participate in cadet activities on the campus and on the river Medway. Popular activities included the helicopter flight simulator and target shooting.
An inter-school log run was keenly fought, with the CCF from Skinners’ school being the eventual winners. The band of the Parachute Regiment bought the afternoons activities to a close, marching from Tonbridge Castle to the school and, on arrival, Beating Retreat.
A formal dinner in the evening, addressed by Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, Chief of Defence Staff, helped the fundraising for service charities which had been going on throughout the day. In total nearly £10,000 was raised for Help the Heroes and the Services Benevolent Funds.
