April 29, 2011

This was a very special event. The boys were able to watch the wedding on TV, and additional professional caterers from the Roast Hog Company were brought in to provide a superb hog roast. Tim Clements and his staff were very obliging and helpful and really good with the boys. The company had a great write-up in the Weekend section of the Telegraph on Saturday 25 June.

Hog roast, sir?

Don't worry: the vegetarians weren't forgotten. Our own chefs produced an equally special meal for them.

Salmon, sir?

There was, of course, plenty of salad. Below you can see R Litton tucking in.

Not very sharp - but he was really enjoying his salad!

Finally, everyone took part. The picture below shows the Headmaster helping to serve the 'puddings'.

This is just one example of the regular 'special' meals at Caldicott. There are themed days - an Indian Meal, Make Your Own Kebab and so on. Go to the menu page to see what is on offer this week.

What do the Boarders do at Christmas?

Here is an account of the Boarders' Christmas Dinner, to give you an idea.

This takes place at around 6.30pm, in the Front Hall. It is one of the great Caldicott traditions, and has been going on, certainly since before I arrived 21 years ago. Before the carols the boarders go to their dormitories to change into formal dress, complete with blazers and white shirts, and then assemble in the Front Hall. Mr Paget is, of course, the maestro of the keyboard, words are handed out, and carols are sung, including a special one written by an ex-teacher at Caldicott. I think this is the best part of Christmas The picture above shows the scene, staff singing with the boys. Many of the boys here are new boarders, and all of them are enjoying their first Caldicott Christmas.

With the chefs and their staff having spent most of the day in preparation, the time comes for the boys to finish the carols and move into the dining room. It is a long afternoon for Miss Riddell to set up the tables (with boy helpers). It looks spectacular, and every guest (including the boys) has a hand-written italic label! They start to set up straight after lunch.

Just beginning

All ready

Oh yes - and of course, the food!

The meal (more than just sprouts, though a Christmas Dinner just wouldn't be right without them!) is served by dining room staff, and then it is time for the staff to have an intelligent after-dinner conversation. The boarders, of course, choose rather livelier activities - though never excessive, of course. All new boarders here.

Evidence - Tommy has left his sprouts!

And here is the menu for the day. This was modified by L Pan (12.10) from last year's.

First, the front and back:

And the centre:

But what about the Day Boys?

Of course, they are not ignored! They have their Christmas dinner a few days before. There are two pictures below. I hope they were not too disappointed by the absence of sprouts - they had peas instead!

Spot the two hungriest boys! The First Form, at their first Caldicott Christmas Dinner.

Two boys with chocolate arctic roll, and a healthy orange next!

4th Formers - their last Day Boys' dinner - though Elliott, right, as a boarder has another dinner at the end of term.