This November, Hurst welcomed back OJ Lt Col Charlie Field (CO Royal Yeomanry), as the Inspecting Officer for the CCF Biennial Inspection. A very fitting visit as Charlie was himself at one time the Regimental Sergeant Major of the CCF.

Every two years each CCF Contingent is required to host a Biennial review which forms a large part of the assurance process for CCF units and ensures that they are meeting the required standards. The CCF must plan how to show its best self and demonstrate the full extent of training that takes place. Included is the running of a formal parade where the entire Contingent forms up in the Outer Quad, demonstrating not only the unit’s impressive size, but also its dress and standards. After a general salute and some well executed armsdrills from the Honour Guard, Lt Col Field addressed the Contingent. He then presented
the Sword of Honour which was kindly donated to Hurst CCF by Pooley Swords, the UK’s last military sword maker.

On conclusion of the parade, a normal afternoon of training commenced with the visitors and Inspecting Officer touring the afternoon’s activities from Remove Royal Navy taking part in STEM based command tasks, to Lower Sixth NCOs being taught how to plan the lessons they would be delivering the following week. The Cadets answered questions from guests and offered valuable feedback as part of the process.