Page 55 - 4RA Regimental Journal 2019-2020

Like most areas of life, in both the Army and the rest of the of the world, the Officers’ Mess at 4th Regiment Royal
Artillery has had a unique and challenging last few years.
2019 saw almost the complete regiment deploy to Cyprus on Op TOSCA. As this was a 6-month tour there was definitely a need to feel at home within Akotiri and the surrounding bases. Operating within a tri-service environment brought many challenges to the Regiment. In our spare moments within this larger mess this was accepted more as opportunities to enhance our cohesion and the regiment leaned into this in great form. The major Army events of a summer ball, Oktober- fest etc were all warmly adhered to and shared with our fellow officers’ from across the Armed Forces. We were also treated to take part in some more traditional RAF events and the anticipation of these greatly improved the experience of everyone who deployed.
Obviously, there were plenty of natu- ral facilities to take advantage of within Cyprus and so events on the beaches were always encouraged. Given that for many this would be the longest deployment they had enjoyed in the Army so far the Mess was a vital welfare facility for everyone and one that was used to great effect.
Returning home to the UK was a very dif- ferent story. At the beginning of 2020 as Covid-19 began to take its hold on the world and all large gatherings had to cease. For the safety of all those on camp and to keep in line with government policy all Mess events had to cease. As restrictions grew harsher more and more facilities of
the Mess were forced to close. Eventually the Mess was confined to being a place to stay in for those few livers-in still around.
However, the Mess adapted and changed with the challenges that faced it. As with most of the young adult population of the UK a variety of ways to convene socially, yet distanced, were found. Zoom pub quizzes and movie night became a staple of the Mess forecast. The livers-in took a strong look at the mess infrastructure and elected to redesign the scruffs bar, making into an informal collection of recent Mess history that is entirely in keeping with the culture of the Regiment.
As social distancing rules become more relaxed the Mess is beginning to look to the future and plan more events for the rest of 2021 and looking even further ahead. So many Mess members have now moved on without an appropriate goodbye and many
have entered without the warm welcome we would like to give them, this is the first problem that must be addressed.
Looking even further ahead the key item for the future is the Falkland 40th anni- versary. Celebrations and events will take place across the Army in order to best remember this historic occasion but there will also be the need for a more intimate and personal event too. The Officers’ Mess is a key part of the historic memory of the regiment and will, of course, throw itself into this fully. Reunion dinners must be caught up on to ensure that our veterans are reminded of the value they give us.
The isolation of the last year has acted as a strong reminder of everything the Officers’ mess adds to Regimental life as a key part of the moral component. Its revitalisation over the coming months is greatly antici- pated by all members.
4th Regiment Royal Artillery Officers’ Mess
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