The Alleynian 710 Summer 2022

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THE ALLEYNIAN 710

This year, CCF has returned to normal following a challenging, but rewarding, two years of lockdown, writes Edward Cook (Year 13)

Recently we have persevered through switching between virtual sessions and in-person training, and many of our usual camps and competitions have either been outright cancelled or downsized to cope with the restrictions. I am very happy to say that we are now in full swing again and it has been a pleasure to experience CCF how it should be truly experienced. The year kicked off with a new coterie of senior cadets stepping up to the plate to lead the various sections of the contingent. WO1 Francesco Dembinski became the RSM and has done a sterling job getting us back to pre- lockdown standards. WO1 Felix Taylor, assisted by WO2 Jérémie Cohen, has had the tough job of leading the largest section, the Army, and it is in a fine position for the future. WO Konstantinos Doran has excellently led our highly accomplished RAF section; and I am extremely proud to lead the Navy section, which has reached new heights in the last year and has a strong core of junior and senior cadets. The start of this year was also boosted by the news that two of our senior cadets were awarded

prestigious Army Scholarships, which aid them through university and secure them a place at RMA Sandhurst where they will train to become officers in the British Army. Remembrance Sunday, the most important day of the contingent’s calendar, was thankfully able to go ahead this year and we resumed our key role in Dulwich’s commemoration of such a poignant day. The contingent went out on parade, immaculate and solemn, to march down from the College to Christ’s Chapel of God’s Gift. We were accompanied by Alleyn’s’ CCF and the day is always an affirmation of the deep link between the three Foundation Schools. A service was held and we returned to the College for an inspiring speech from our Contingent Commander, Captain Fox, commending our parade and reminding us of why Remembrance Sunday is relevant and necessary. We hope that we did justice to the memory of those who fell before us. January 2022 was unique for the CCF in that it played host to the inaugural Terry Walsh Cup, named in honour

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