Tag Archives: Sandhurst

Fundraising Dinner at the Officer’s Mess, Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst – 8 November 2012

On Thursday 8 November ninety-one guests gathered for a fundraising black tie dinner at the Officer’s Mess, Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst. During pre-dinner drinks in an upstairs ante-room artefacts from this year’s archaeology were on display along with a selection of maps, plans and books. There was also a ‘pop-up’ display on show, designed by Paul Hewitt and generously donated and printed by George Prové at Newvale Print.

The ante-room with ‘pop-up’ and archaeological artefacts on display

After a brief introductory talk by Peter Barton and Jeremy Banning we went downstairs to be treated to a delicious three-course dinner. Full regimental mess protocol was observed with a Loyal Toast to Her Majesty The Queen, a toast to fallen comrades and a minute’s silence.

Archaeological artefacts on display in the ante-room

There followed an hour’s illustrated presentation by Peter Barton and Jeremy Banning on the history of the Glory Hole at La Boisselle, tunnel warfare on site and the ongoing archaeological work; it was followed by many questions. The evening ended with an auction which was very generously supported. We would like to thank all of those who attended and made the evening such a memorable success.

Dinner guests seated in the Officer’s Mess

Our sincere thanks to the Commandant of Sandhurst, Major-General Timothy Evans, Giles Orpen-Smellie (The Sandhurst Foundation) and Paul McQuillan of Compass Group. We would like to express our gratitude to Richard Anderson (auctioneer extraordinaire), Rohit Tanna, Roy Murphy, Andrew Norton, Bill Gornall-King and Nick Mercer for their assistance in organising the evening and guests plus a million other kindnesses.

Peter Barton & Jeremy Banning’s after dinner presentation