Summary Programme

• 1400   Parade and drill display on the quad, accompanied by the band of the Parachute Regiment
             Inspecting Officer: Major General Mike Tennant
• 1430   Cadet stands and service displays open
             Service displays will include helicopters, Royal Marines Display Team, RN simulator, weapons display
             Cadet stands will include static and dynamic displays around the school and also on the River Medway
• 1645   Inter-school log run competition
• 1655   Final parade and dismiss
• 1715   Band of the Parachute Regiment march from Tonbridge Castle to the school
             On arrival, Beating Retreat
• 1830 for 1915   Fund-raising dinner (more details here) at the Orchard Centre, Tonbridge School. This will include music from the PWRR band and the presentation of the Paterson Sword. NOW SOLD OUT. To go on the waiting list, please email Captain Andrew Penfold on arp@tonbridge-school.org

150 Years of Cadets

In 1859 the government was concerned about a militarily resurgent France, and came up with the idea that a cheap way to enlarge the Army would be to set up training units in schools. Tonbridge was one of eight schools to respond to the call, and so the Officer Training Corps came into being in 1860. Today's successor, the Combined Cadet Force, has long outgrown its original purpose, and is now engaged in youth leadership training in many hundreds of schools, albeit funded largely by the Ministry of Defence, who also provide uniforms, equipment, access to training areas and facilities, and personnel support.

The 150th anniversary of the formation of cadet forces is being recognised in a large number of national and regional events. At Tonbridge we shall be mounting a public Open Day in conjunction with the CCFs at Sevenoaks, Judd and Skinners schools. Our aim is to show to the school communities and to the wider public just what cadet forces do and why, as well as highlighting our strong links with the services themselves. The school grounds will be open all afternoon; some 250 cadets will be running display and activity stands all around the school campus; personnel, equipment and displays from all three services will also be present; and at the end of the afternoon, the band of the Parachute Regiment will march through the town and then provide a spectacular display of Beating Retreat. In the evening there will be a fund-raising dinner in aid of service charities where Major-General Tennant (vice president (Army) of the CCF Association) and Sir Jock Stirrup (Chief of the Defence Staff) will both be speaking.

Primary and Prep Schools

We are making special arrangements for groups/classes from primary and prep schools. This can include an initial visit to your school by CCF cadets who can show you some of the equipment, and set up some exercise/activities in the classroom. Further details can be found here where you will also find contact details for the liaison officer.

Car Parking

Because of the scale of the events taking place at the school, there will be very limited car parking for visitors. Such parking is restricted to disabled or elderly people, in which case you are requested to contact Capt Andrew Penfold (01732 365555 Ext 4238, arp@tonbridge-school.org) to book a place in advance.

Visitors arriving by car should either use the public car parks in the town, or they may alternatively park at Tonbridge Farm, the Angels Footbal Club, car park which is 1 mile North on the Shipbourne Road. The postcode (for SatNav or internet mapping) is TN10 3JF. A shuttle bus service will be provided to carry visitors from the car park to the school, and back. This service will run from 1315 until 1825, but will be suspended from 1645 until 1745 during the parade.

Facilities

• Refreshments will be available from the Orchard Centre (next to the Chapel) from 2.30pm until 5.15pm.
• An Information Stand will be situated outside the Orchard Centre, and this will also incorporate First Aid facilities.
• Toilets are indicated on the map. They are situated in the Orchard Centre and in the Sports Centre (both locations include disabled toilets), and also alongside the Quad.

Further Details

Further details will be added to this website as they become available. You will find details of the stands and their locations here. Please re-visit the website to watch the event unfolding. If you would like to join the event mailing list please write to the Contingent Commander, Ian Lucas, at inl@tonbridge-school.org . In this way you will receive all updates personally.

Press and media enquirers should contact the Director of Communications, Rachel Hodgson, on rachel.hodgson@tonbridge-school.org