Students taste Army life at regimental dinner (From This is Hampshire)

Students taste Army life at regimental dinner

3:29pm Monday 6th October 2008 in

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A PARTY of 20 lucky students from Andover's Winton School enjoyed a taste of Army life when they were the special guests at a regimental dinner at MoD Andover - the new name for the old DLO base.

The meal was served in the sergeants' mess, complete with proper military formalities including the loyal toast and military anthems played by a live band.

Before the meal the guests were shown the food being prepared and tables in the dining area being set out in meticulous detail.

The students were clearly impressed.

"We have learned a lot about British food during the morning and about the mess," said student spokesman Matt Down, aged 16.

"The food itself is very healthy with a lot of organic options. I'm particularly looking forward to the Irish stew. It's something I haven't had for a while."

The visit was arranged by Ian Nuttall, the site general manager for site contractors Aramark, and Rev Derek Overfield, who is the industrial chaplain for Andover and a former chairman of governors at Winton School.

The students' visit co-incided with British Food Fortnight, which aims to teach children about the range of healthy food options available and which is supported by Aramark.

Most of the students attending were the school's student leaders' dressed in the scho-ol's new uniform which incorporates different striped ties for each school house.

Officers from the Army, the Royal Navy and RAF who are based at MoD Andover joined in the smart theme by appearing for the meal in full mess dress.