Page 79 - Light Dragoons 2023 CREST

With restrictions well and truly a thing of the past, The WOs’ & Sgts’ Mess looked forward to a year of functions and ad hoc parties. Well, that is until the dreaded FOE was finalised, and this saw most of the Mess deployed all over the world. But we still managed to have a good time on occasions and within the rule of ‘what hap- pens in the mess stays in the mess.’ This has been well documented.
With the year taken up with Ex WESSEX STORM, Ex DEFENDER, Ex KANJAR OMAN & Op INTERFLEX, it took some months for the mess to come together. When we did it was to finally send off two members of the mess, WO2 Chris Parker and SSgt Craig Stevens. They are quality lads who have left the Regiment after com- pleting their full service.
This year has also seen a lot of changes in the Mess. WO2 ‘Wingers’ Martin handed over the role of PMC to WO2 ‘I never get angry at all’ Hirst. Wingers did a sterling job and guided the mess out of restrictions and ensured the accounts were in good order to allow us to have the coffers we needed to enjoy ourselves.
We said goodbye to several members after completing their full service. WO2 Broughton, WO2 Cox, WO2 Price, WO2 Woods and SSgt Delaney. They all tran- sition into civilian life. We look forward to getting them back into the mess and celebrating with them although I am sure all the mess members will not enjoy the increase of their mess bills after hav- ing to pay for that number of 22-year presentations.
We need to congratulate SSgt Greenwood, SSgt Thomson being promoted to WO2 and taking over the roles of SSM and WO2 Fyfe, WO2 Cawthorne & WO2 Martin
being successful in being promoted to WO1. A massive achievement that only the best have the honour of wearing ‘the badge’. WO2 ‘Stevie’ Fyfe has taken over the reins of RSM SNIY. At the time of writing WO2 Cawthorne & Martin are in the hands of the gods or should I say APC. I would also like to note that WO1 (RSM) Richardson has also been successful on the Army Officers’ Selection Board and will be promoted to Captain. An unbelievable achievement and on behalf of the mess we congratulate you. Although he has already stated correcting people ‘It is no longer Twin, it is Anthony.’
In July, the mess hosted the Regimental Association on the LD30 weekend. This saw the regiment celebrating the 30th year since the formation of The Light Dragoons. The Friday saw the Association and Mess members enjoy an evening of
reminiscing stories that cannot be pub- lished within this article and enjoying the company of those LD’s who have served the regiment over the last 30 years and beyond. Again, thanks go to WO2 Martin for organising this. I am sure everyone enjoyed the evening, and I have been reas- sured those on parade the next day didn’t consume any alcohol that evening.
Before we knew it the Summer Ball was amongst us. Due to other commitments the regiment were aligned to this was a very intimate affair. This year the RAO Department took the lead. When you have WO2 Alderman & Sgt Bradder organising a function you know you’re in for a good night. With the theme being a barn dance the mess didn’t disappoint with their fancy dress. Many of a Stetson and Cowboy boots were worn but it did confirm that double denim very much still belongs in the 80’s.
The Regimental Journal of The Light Dragoons
Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess
77