Year Two Public Services students from Nelson and Colne College Sixth Form have attended a military style Mess Dinner to celebrate the year’s achievements.

The College’s Public Services programme is highly successful – and highly popular!  Each year, students progress into the public services sector and onto degree courses such as Police and Criminal Investigation.

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 determined, hardworking and dedicated. Students participate in theory lessons encompassing command and control, criminal justice, government and politics and land navigation, and also take part in numerous physical activities ranging from Ghyll climbing and orienteering to circuit training and residential trips with the Army and Navy.

The Mess Dinner was the culmination of two years of intensive study and training and both students and staff enjoyed a sumptuous meal in the College’s stylish restaurant Farringtons.

The format for the evening was a military type Mess Dinner, emphasizing etiquette and politeness. Acting as Chair of Function was Student Programme Leader Richard Watts, who ensured the process went in order as well as saying a few words of thanks to guests. College Principal Amanda Melton also attended this traditional function, setting the tone high for these important proceedings!

Richard Watts said, “This was the fifth occasion we have held a Mess Dinner to celebrate the achievements of second year students from our Public Services course.  Students and staff enjoyed an excellent five course meal prepared and served by students from the College’s own Catering and Hospitality department. The Principal, Amanda Melton, gave an impromptu speech that really highlighted the excellent achievements of students over the last few years in college and wished them all the best in whatever the future held for them. It was a privilege for myself to be able to speak about each student and go through their achievements whilst in College and to encourage them to aim for what they desire.”