Jul 14, 2011
Nelson and Colne College Sixth Form Year Two National Diploma Public Services students have attended a military style Mess Dinner to celebrate the year’s achievement
The College’s Uniformed Public Services programme is recognised as being a highly successful route into employment in the services, or to university and training. During the course, students learn about all aspects of life in the services, including the Armed Forces and the Police, Ambulance and Fire Services. A job in any of these sectors is high pressured and physically demanding and therefore, they require people who are both determined, hard working and dedicated. Students take part in theory lessons encompassing command and control, criminal justice, government and politics and land navigation and also a number of physical activities ranging from Ghyll climbing and orienteering, to circuit training and residential trips with the Army and Navy. Each year, students progress into the Services and onto degree courses such as Police and Criminal Investigation
The Mess dinner was the culmination of two years intensive study and training and both students and staff enjoyed a sumptuous meal in the College’s stylish restaurant Farringtons. All guests met at 7pm for a Bucks Fizz reception and had professional photos taken.
The format for the evening was an exact military type mess dinner, with the emphasis on etiquette and politeness. Roles were given – Head of Department, Neil Morville was the senior member and ensured the process went in order as well as saying a few words of thanks to guests. And there was also a Mr Vice – student – Ross Inglis who since completing the course has begun training with the Royal Marines. As well as the more formal thanks, and words from College Principal Lyn Surgeon, there were a few light-hearted speeches.
Head of Division Neil Morville said, “This was our second mess dinner, which is a close recreation of a formal military style dinner. It provides an excellent example of the kind of discipline required of those working in the Forces and is also a great opportunity for us to celebrate the students’ successes through the previous year. We are immensely proud of our students’ hard work and determination to succeed and I am sure that these young people, who are a credit to the College, have a very bright future ahead of them.”
