THE CCF’s annual End of Year Mess dinner took place at the Castle in Monmouth within the Officer’s Mess of the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers.

The event brought together cadets, school staff and members of the wider armed forces community.

Haberdashers Monmouth School welcomed guests from the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, the Queen’s Dragoon Guards, and former cadets now serving in HM Armed Forces including a Royal Navy pilot in training, an Army doctor, and a Royal Air Force logistics officer.

The former cadets made an impression on their current cadets who had the chance to hear about their journeys beyond the school and into service.

The cadets enjoyed an evening where they had a conversation with 2Lt Olivia Farrington who shared her experiences at Haberdashers’ Monmouth School of her leadership and training since leaving the school.

Guests at the event included Rear Admiral Andy Perks, Director of Submarines, who both spoke about the importance of family and those at home and how those networks underpin the strength and resilience of service life.

Flight Lieutenant James Woodward was presented with a framed photograph of the 2005 Junior History recreation of the Battle of Trafalgar.

One of the core moments from the event was the recognition of their year 13 cadets who were appreciated for their leadership and contribution.

The army cadets paid tribute to Major Andrew White, Sgt Nathan Davison and Lt Doug Briggs. The RAF cadets thanked Flt Julia Harper, Royal Navy Section Commander who works in the RN department.

The evening reflected the strength of all three sections and the shared values which continue to unite their contingent: service, leadership and camaraderie.

Sgt Nathan Davison and Major Ian Lawrence for their preparation and delivery of the year’s dinner night.

In 2026 it marks the 120th Anniversary of Haberdashers’ Monmouth CCF.