Society of Dorset Men: Annual County Dinner held on May 16

This year's dinner was attended by around 80 individuals, including members and guests, at the George Albert Hotel, Evershot, near Dorchester, on Saturday, May 16.

Known as the Annual Veast, this tradition has been celebrated for the past 120 years, originating in London before moving to Dorset in the 1960s.

This event is a significant fixture in the society's calendar, featuring rituals unique to Dorset.

The President and special guests, Captain Angus Campbell and Mrs Campbell (4th and 2nd from left), Mr Michael Dooley (5th from left) and Vice Admiral Sir Adrian Johns and Lady Johns (3rd and 5th from right) (Image: The Society of Dorset Men)

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One of these was the ceremonial parade of Dorset Blue Vinny cheese into the ballroom, which was tasted by the society president, Captain Angus Campbell, following tradition.

After sampling the cheese, President Campbell drank a glass of whisky with the hotel chef, further cementing the tradition's rich cultural heritage.

Annual greetings of love and support for the King were also part of the ceremony, articulated in the Dorset dialect.

These were received and read by the president to everyone assembled.

Michael Dooley, the Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset, then proposed the loyal toast to the King.

Society Chairman Peter Lush introduced the principal guest speaker, Vice Admiral Sir Adrian Johns.

Sir Adrian Johns spoke on his naval career experiences, notably his time as Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Gibraltar, shedding light on his Dorset connections and offering glimpses into Gibraltar's history and his responsibilities there.

The evening's activities included a charity raffle, which raised £240 in support of Dorset food banks.

In recognition of his notable performance, Brian Hansford was awarded the Hambro Challenge Cup, the society's annual golf trophy, following the annual golf match held at Came Down Golf Course in Dorchester.

The evening concluded with many of the guests opting to stay overnight at the hotel, leaving the following morning after a hearty breakfast.

For more information about the Society of Dorset Men, visit their website.