Page 69 - The Royal Lancers Chapka 2019
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                                REGIMENTAL JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL LANCERS (QUEEN ELIZABETHS’ OWN)
    WO1 (RSM) Pook and WO2 (RQMS) WO2 (SSM) Nyambira (aka Dame Kelly Holmes noticed that Sgt Hobson keeping the pressure on ‘Frogman’) trying to play rugby Burrow was incorrectly dressed
from many years ago, Sgt Marsden began training the many players who only get their shorts and boots out once a year for this challenge. With several experienced and just as many not, the team went onto the pitch ready as they would ever be. The team was not as fast, fit or experienced as the younger Officers’ Mess team, but they were determined to at least challenge and
hit them hard. The Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess domi- nated the game early on, and the Officers never recovered. The final score was 17-5 with the victory going to the Warrant Offic- ers’ and Sergeants’ Mess.
Cpl Pipe took over the Mess in March 2019. A new system was put in place for day-to-day running of tea and toast and other functions. Cpl Pipe worked every day over Easter leave after being granted £10,000 to give the Mess a facelift. This took two weeks over a leave period where he worked single-handedly, finishing the job before everyone returned. The bar area was completely transformed and looked like a licenced bar rather than a dated MoD building. The tea and toast area was reformed and, at the rear of the bar, a new functional day-to-day bar facil- ity was installed. A new sound system, karaoke machine, pro- jector and entertainment system were introduced along with a garden and seating area.
After the refurbishment, the Mess attracted more and more members and was running like a proper Mess with daily tea and toast and the bar open two evenings a week. The Mess hosted a Summer Ball on 27th July which was a big hit. Since then, the Mess has been used for christenings, sporting events such as the Peto Cup and the Sports Dinner Night as well as multiple squadron functions. The Mess was handed over from Cpl Pipe and his C Squadron team to Cpl Bott and D Squadron in No- vember 2019.
Starting with a Mess sweep-up and some minor changes, Corporal Bott and the new Mess Com- mitee rolled up their sleeves and began to try and breathe fresh life into the Mess. Tea and toast is back on from Monday to Thursday and the bar is open every Monday and Wednesday. Just before
Christmas we used some of our junior soldiers to help us ‘clear some stock’ we had in and had an introduction to the Corporals’ Mess. This was an opportunity to give the newer members of the Regiment a chance to see what the glory of the Mess is all about. The first function for the Committee was the Winter Ball, always a good evening and very entertaining one. Normally we use the Fonduk Rooms for our functions, however we sat down and de- cided to go out of camp. Catterick Golf Club was the venue and they agreed to take care of us. This is going to be held in January of the New Year.
The Regiment has a busy year coming up with the Regiment de- ploying to Germany, however, this won’t stop us continuing run- ning regular functions! We’re looking forward to future events which we plan to hold, especially the Summer ‘welcome back’ Ball, and hope that all members take the opportunity to enjoy themselves and regain the Mess cohesion. We also plan to have a number of smaller events, and look forward to challenging the Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess to a games night...
Corporal Bott has taken the Mess above and beyond with his excellent Mess Committee who have supported him throughout his time as PMC. The Mess is now up and
Corporals’ Mess
running and in the best nick ever.
‘’The best Cpls’ Mess in the British Army”
JB
AD
   Pizza night!
Ice ice baby
The Mess Committee
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