Page 40 - QDG Year of 2020

38 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards
WOs’ & Sgts’ Mess
Unfortunately the rugby was cancelled so the bar without the rugby on was the next best thing
Sgt Chater gutted he hasn’t got a WO on his other side
2020 has seen a massive shift in work and social patterns for all. Noticeably greater for the WOs’ & Sgts’ Mess as work and social settings are what bond and unite the members. Luckily there were two major events that encapsu- lated the ethics and camaraderie of the Seniors and Warrant Officers of the Regiment before COVID-19 measures took hold.
Exercise Wessex Storm 20 saw the Seniors and Warrant Officers deploy in their various roles supporting the Regiment who performed to a very high standard, as expected. Proving the viability and employability of QDG and light cavalry. This exercise took place from January to the beginning of March. Swiftly followed by the last social event of 2020, a Generations and dine out weekend 13-15 March.
After a last-minute risk assess- ment adjustment due to the COVID-19 updates the weekend started with a meet and greet in the mess. Thankfully stocks of hand sanitizer were avail- able for Russ Gallagher to slyly pump into anyone’s coke if they asked for vodka. Usual bar antics ensued, and the atmosphere gradually relaxed as the alcohol started to block the “when I was in” stories. Family members genuinely seemed enthused by being in the mess and interested in the history and their QDG associate’s involvement.
Saturday’s activities
kicked off with an excellent
brunch and an even better
safety brief. A round robin
of military style stands made
up the bulk of the day with
the afternoon put aside for
the rugby. Unfortunately the
rugby was cancelled so the
bar without the rugby on was
the next best thing. Before
the alcohol however mess
members escorted their guests around the 25m range – pistol and rifle shooting, capability stand, equipment stands and shotgun shooting. All of the stands were put together brilliantly, big shout out to Sgt Aaron Morgan – civilians on a range is never an easy prospect! True to his roots Danny Glover demonstrated his C Sqn heritage by gaining the accolade of best shot, like he’d never left. Ben Schofield similarly took the shotgun title, absolutely nothing to do with his police firearms training.
Early afternoon pie and chips preceded regaling of the day’s activities in the bar with all members until late afternoon. A quick change into mess dress and black tie saw guests arrive for a champagne reception to kick off the formal dinner and dine outs.
Capt Dez O’Connor has commissioned and is currently posted to LD. WO1 Wayne Davies, WO1 Rob Jones and
WO1 Barney Costello have all completed their military service. Having the Dine Out combined with the genera- tions weekend meant that those that have completed their time in the mess could share this special occasion with chosen guests including family. This was an extra special element. WO1 Rob Jones had a full cheerleading
squad which included Maj Tim Moore and other golden oldies. Speeches are an integral part of dine outs. On this occasion they demonstrated the varied and distinguished careers that all involved have held, a genuine honour to listen to them and have something to aspire to. We wish them the best of luck and look forward to many an RV in the Diff.
Normal formal dinner night etiquette ensured all of the guests and members had an excellent time, including Scouse Ananins who lost his seat due to having a peanut sized bladder. The next day all gathered for a brunch before parting ways into the magical mystery tour that is 2020.
Hopefully 2021 will see the mess members be able to gather socially at some stage. Noting that as ever they will be busy supporting the Regt on Opera- tional commitments and training.
MAR
The force of opening his wallet causes Gally’s tie to come undone
Who knew the Right Said Fred lookalike group were made up of ex-forces
Smiling is overrated