Trafalgar night

The weekend just passed saw the return of the annual Nelson House Trafalgar Night Dinner, or, as many RHS pupils affectionately call it, “Traf Night”. It is safe to say that the evening not only met but exceeded all expectations. As a Year 12 pupil, I spent the evening waitressing for the year above and was incredibly curious about what was happening behind the grand doors of the Jellicoe Room. From occasional glimpses of naval bunting and neatly arranged tables, I caught hints of the buzzing atmosphere of the guests, but little else. Even so, the experience of waitressing was a memorable one in itself. My friends and I still laugh about moments from the evening, and we would strongly encourage future Year 12s to volunteer. Not only do you get the opportunity to work alongside the friendly kitchen staff, whom many pupils would otherwise never meet, but you may also be lucky enough to sample some of the delicious food being served.

A large part of the evening revolved around the excellent food, prepared by the hardworking RHS kitchen staff and served impeccably by the Year 12 waiters. Throughout the night, we enjoyed lots and lots of food in courses, giving everyone plenty of opportunities to relax, socialise, and soak up the atmosphere. We were also treated to speeches from our honorary guest and the newly appointed Heads of House, all reflecting on the traditions of Traf Night and the exciting year ahead. These were swiftly followed by yet more food and drink, ensuring that nobody left the dining hall hungry. In fact, by the end of the evening, many of us were grateful for the extra room of our jackets.The evening maintained a lively and celebratory atmosphere from start to finish, with conversation and laughter filling the room. However, the highlight of the night for me came towards the end, when a musical performance brought the entire event to life. The performance injected even more energy into an already vibrant evening and was a fitting conclusion to a memorable Traf Night enjoyed by all.

Look forward to your year 13 Trafalgar night dinner!