Page 15 - Bugle Spring 2025

2 RIFLES
Footy victory for the Cpls Mess!
2 RIFLES Mess Events: Ball gowns, banter and a trophy for the Cpl’s
After a relentless year that included Exercise
WO’s & Sjt’s, and Cpl’s—faced off in an 11-a-side
The year ended with the Officers hosting
HARAKA STORM, the Messes of 2 RIFLES
football tournament to crown the Inter-Mess
the Sjt’s Mess for a festive finale. If 2024 was a
grabbed every chance to let their (policy-
Champions. While the WO & Sjt’s Mess may
banner year of “work hard, play harder,” 2025
compliant) hair down. From traditional
have fancied themselves Lisburn’s answer to
promises more of the same—professionally
balls to competitive sports, it was a year of
Manchester City, it was the Cpl’s Mess who
hosted parties, of course.
hard-earned celebrations capped with a
dominated the field, clinching the trophy and
Lt Mike Mizzi
final showdown of football prowess.
promptly repurposing it as a chalice for their
In December, all three Messes—Officers,
Winter function that evening.
BBQS, HALLOWEEN AND CHRISTMAS
CHEER: 2 RIFLES FAMILY FUN
When it comes to balancing duty and
downtime, 2 RIFLES knows how to deliver –
and the Battalion’s families were front and
centre for a year packed with fun.
It all began with a summer BBQ in July.
Against the odds (and Northern Irish weather),
200 families came together for inflatables,
ice cream, and all the hot dogs you could
handle. This was a perfect send-off before the
Battalion deployed to Kenya post-summer
leave.
Next came October’s legendary Halloween
party, where the welfare team pulled out all
the stops. Fancy dress ranged from terrifyingly
creative to hilariously questionable, while
the “Great Aldo” had kids and parents
spellbound with his magic. With a
buffet, disco, and plenty of laughs,
it was a truly “spooktacular”
evening.
After returning from Kenya,
December brought the families
together for some festive fun. A Christmas
feast, inflatable activities, and a visit from
Father Christmas himself made for a magical
day. The highlight? A tour of the famous
Lisburn Station “Christmas House,” leaving
everyone in high spirits just in time for leave.
Seeing the families come together like this
is what makes all the hard work worthwhile.
Capt Dave Stroud, Welfare Officer
Great Aldo’ the Clown keeps everyone
entertained at the Halloween party
UWO and UWSNCO show off their
matching Christmas jumpers
RIFLES The Bugle 15