Page 64 - The Royal Lancers Chapka 2019

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Much more than four walls in Cambrai Barracks, the Offic- ers’ Mess is about history, ethos and comradery. It is an in- stitution that stretches past the liver-in and their ability open a bottle of bubbly with a lance. It is where shared experiences are created and where family merges with work. 2019 saw the mess re-invigorate that experience with the re-introduction of Fami- lies Fridays and the inaugural Chattels Lunch all alongside the staples of Balaklava, Ladies’ Dinner night and the Summer Party.
The custodians of this ethos at any one time are the mess mem- bers, represented by their committee. The secretarial work horse behind it in 2019 was Charlie Henson. A ubiquitous positive force, he consolidated the work achieved by Julien Anani-Isaac
who stepped into the breach as interim President. From hand towels to band bookings, Charlie had a hand in everything good this year and his efforts cannot be understated. The guardians of the chattels too have had an impact. We saw the long-anticipated return of The Empty Saddle and Zulu from restoration. Their significance being even more pertinent at the mess viewing of the Rugby World Cup final. The most dazzling impact on our chattels has been the overdue establishment of a cleaning con- tract for our silver. Outside too, the gardens member was able to side-line all other burning issues to create his own love island that was welcomed over the summer with numerous momentous outings including the Regimental Weekend.
REGIMENTAL JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL LANCERS (QUEEN ELIZABETHS’ OWN)
The Messes
Aliwal Dinner Night 2020
The Officers’ Mess
The first Colonel of the Regiment and his Officers