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Portland Mess Dinner (February 2010)
![Welbeck Defence Sixth Form College (DSFC)](javascript:PopupPic("/social/images/portland1.jpg");)
On the evening of Monday 8th February, Portland House had the honour of inviting Brigadier J Simpson (REME) and Captain J Robinson (RE) as guest speakers to their annual Mess Dinner, this year held at the beautiful setting of Prestwold Hall.
Weeks of hard work had been done by the organisers, especially Joe Ellett, to make the night the success that it was. With all the guests and members of the House dressed in their finery we assembled in the Quorum ready to get the night underway with a House photograph. Then it was on to the awaiting transport, ready to depart for Prestwold Hall.
After a fifteen minute coach journey we arrived at the perfect setting for the evening, a beautiful manor house with open fires and a grand entrance. After receiving some welcome drinks we took our seats and were served with a beautiful four course meal which was then followed by a Toast to Her Majesty the Queen by the youngest member of the House, Michael Garrard, and then speeches by Mr S Clarke (House Master), James Flanagan (Head of House) and the two guest speakers, Captain Robinson and Brigadier Simpson.
Both guest speakers delivered excellent speeches which kept us fixed and entertained. Captain Robinson spoke of the need to get the most out of what DTUS has to offer while at University, to try to always be the one to organise events and expeditions and he then spoke of examples of bravery and commitment within the Army. Brigadier Simpson’s speech was also excellent, and proved to be very entertaining with references to his career as a Technical Officer. Both speakers were ex-Welbexians and their speeches were of huge benefit and relevance to us as a House.
![Welbeck Defence Sixth Form College (DSFC)](javascript:PopupPic("/social/images/portland2.jpg");)
After the speeches everyone went to the dance floor, with its own DJ, or to the bar. The more relaxed atmosphere allowed everyone to socialise and enable the guests to talk to Portlanders and get a feel of what it’s like to be a Welbexian in 2010. The night closed with last orders at the bar and then it was back onto the coaches for the journey back to College.
The night was a great success, and thanks must be passed onto the catering staff at Prestwold Hall for an excellent meal and to Joe Ellett whose hard work over the past few weeks made the night possible.
James Flanagan, Portland 08E
