Page 43 - The Bugle Autumn 2016 Issue 12

Of cers’ Mess
Despite a busy Operational tempo it has been a full year for the Of cers’ Mess. In early August the Summer Ball saw 200 Mess members and guests gathered on a perfect evening for a Great Gatsby-themed extravaganza on the edge of the Severn. A driving range, casino, live band as well as a plethora of food and drink made it a night not to forget (although a few don’t remember it, thanks primarily to Ukrainian gifts from Ex RAPID TRIDENT in Ukraine). The Waterloo dinner night in the autumn doubled up as a parents’ event with exceptional Waterloo-themed food especially well received. With much of the battalion deployed, Christmas was relatively low key but was swiftly followed by a number of events in early 2016. A partners’ dinner night in early February was a great success and the Op SHADER 3 Battlegroup dinner night themed around the Battle of Al Kut was a good opportunity to get to know our colleagues across a number of different units. In amongst the dinner nights, the Mess has continued its normal programme of events; Bugle Breakfasts see local dignitaries from headmistresses to the
postman visiting the Mess for breakfast and a presentation on the Battalion forecast of events and welfare issues, whilst the monthly families BBQ keeps everyone from the Patch involved in Mess life. With so many Mess members deployed over the summer we were very grateful for the invitation from 6 RIFLES Of cers’ Mess to share their summer party which resulted in a fun evening in Bristol.
Outside formal dinner nights, the Mess social life remains strong with beer and wine tasting evenings both a hit, visits to Chepstow races, the Waterloo Cup and even a trip to Estonia. We look forward to a post-tour 2017 with eagerness. Major Colin Oliver MBE, Of cers’ Mess PMC
A PLETHORA OF FOOD AND DRINK MADE IT A NIGHT NOT TO FORGET (ALTHOUGH A FEW DON’T REMEMBER IT)
1 RIFLES WOs’ and Sjts’ Mess
This has been a challenging year within the battalion Although his budget was fairly small compared
due to operational commitments that have seen companies rotate through PDT and deployments leaving minimal manning back in Beachley Barracks.
Regardless of this the Warrant Of cers’ & Serjeants’ Mess has been as vibrant as ever with quite a few functions keeping Mess members and their families entertained.
The rst event was our Summer Beach Party which was organised by CSjt Phillips who decided to go big by getting a few tonnes of sand dumped outside the Mess to act as our make shift beach (a decision he would live to regret on Monday morning when it had to be removed). Regardless, it proved to be quite a success with everyone dancing around on it and enjoying the live music on display. The Mess then went through a period of quieter functions in the form of Regimental Dinners and dine outs for a few Mess members who had completed their service.
In April we saw the RSMs change over with WO1 Mitchell commissioning and being posted to the Welfare Of ce and WO1 Marriott taking over the reins.
The next function of note was a Cheese & Wine Tasting night organised by Sgt Dolan. This was a perfect event to re-stock the Mess bar with wine of our choosing as well as educating Mess members on ne vintages. Although it must be said that not everyone was converted into a wine connoisseur, many were just happy to enjoy the wine and a bottomless cheese and biscuit platter.
The nal event we had was another cracking Summer Function that was organised by Sjt Clymow.
to other functions he still managed to organise a fantastic event which included a great DJ and an awesome band from the local area.
The Mess is now looking forward to the whole battalion returning from operations so we can organise a Christmas Party at the end of the year with every Mess member present.
WO2 Ross Jones, PMC WOs’ and Sjts’ Mess
THE RIFLES
FIRST BATTALION 41
Corporals’ Mess
It’s been a busy period for the Corporals’ mess with everyone spread to the four winds, due a broad spectrum of commitments on the 1 RIFLES forecast of events. Despite these commitments, we did nd time to refurbish the Mess. Now the Mess members have a place worthy of holding functions and a place for the mess Members to proudly call their own. With the turnover of RSMs, we held a formal dine out to bid farewell to WO1 (RSM) Mitchell. For the rst time since the Mess has been formed we are emulating our senior counterparts and are having tea and toast during our morning NAAFI break; with so many tasks around the Battalion, this is a rare opportunity to catch up with fellow JNCOs. Prior to summer leave, the Mess committee put together a festival themed summer party with a live band, barbeque and prizes. After the New Year the Mess will nally all be back together after a busy year.
Cpl Geoff Taylor, Vice President of the Mess Committee