Page 29 - Bugle Autumn 2024

4 RANGER
RSM with the CSMs
THE RANGER TAVERN
OFFICERS MESS MATTERS
Fresh back from the US in Mar 24, Capt Dan Harrington
laid on an outstanding Partners’ Dinner Night in March - painstakingly selecting a boutique dinner menu, which was ably paired off by the Mess’s unquestioned wine aficionado, Maj Mark Cripps. It was followed a few weeks later by a steak dinner for those who were shortly leaving the Mess – Capt Steve Cox, Capt Bas Rai and Capt James Blakemore, to whom we wish all the very best.
With summer on the doorstep, the Mess’s new outdoor furniture arrived in the nick of time - and with members from B Coy returning from Ops, and the British sunshine finally showing up, we tested out its new ‘Green Egg’ BBQ (and will certainly have to test a few times again just to make sure...).
The Ranger Tavern was established to provide a high-quality space for our soldiers, their families, and guests to relax and socialise, and has quickly become a cornerstone in maintaining team cohesion within the battalion.
Since its inception, the Tavern has become the preferred spot for a wide range of battalion activities. From Company social gatherings, and Ranger Chai, to formal Battalion Cross Briefs and Op Teamwork Days, the Tavern is at the heart of unit cohesion and enhances the ‘one team’ ethos shared within the battalion.
One of the Tavern’s most popular events is the monthly Ranger Quiz, a lively competition that brings together teams of participants in a friendly battle of wits. Hosted by a volunteer quiz master from within the battalion, the quiz covers a diverse array of topics including general and military knowledge, regimental history and current affairs. This event has become a highlight for many, as participants vie for bragging rights and enjoy the spirit of fun and friendly rivalry. Notably, the battalion headquarters teams have developed a
reputation for their frequent, albeit often disputed, victories.
A standout moment in the Tavern’s calendar was the annual Ranger Dinner Night. This event celebrates the formation of the Ranger Regiment and offers a rare opportunity for all members of the battalion to come together, relax and share experiences.
More than just a meal, the dinner is a formal social occasion that reflects and recognises the hard work of our people and their accomplishments over the past year.
As the summer months approach, the Tavern is looking forward to the excitement that is building for Euro 2024, as well as the eagerly anticipated Salamanca Day, organised by the welfare team.
A special note of thanks is extended to the Tavern team for their hard work and dedication, particularly to Cpl Copeland, whose efforts
have been instrumental in establishing it into battalion life. As Cpl Sullivan takes over as the new Tavern Manager, the battalion looks forward to continued success under his guidance.
WO2 (CSM) Kitts, Tavern WO
As the weather got better, Capt Sam Russon laid on an excellent day for the Carpenters Company, celebrating their long affiliation with the battalion. Following a superb afternoon on the ranges, it was back to New Normandy for a quick change before a round of presentations on select paintings and silver; before tucking into dinner. It was
an enormously enjoyable day all
round, and we very much look
forward to hosting The Carpenters
again. The mess is now gearing up
for its Summer Ball, led by Capt Tom
Washington-Smith and the wider G
Coy officer cohort - with the ‘Paris
Olympics’ unanimously selected
as the theme, its promises to be a
memorable evening.
Capt Will Rooney,
Mess Secretary
the new outdoor furniture arrived in the nick of time
SJTS’ MESS MATTERS
detracted from the continued activity of the Sjts’ mess with the pool league thriving and continued events such as Christmas functions (at which CSjt Delahunty saw off the RSM with a ventriloquist act that went down like
a lead balloon), LE and WOs go-karting and looking forward to our Hawaii themed summer function and a steak and wine evening. As
a jewel in the crown of a long list of events, we look forward to the dine out of the Commanding Officer with a Regimental Dinner aboard Lord Nelsons flagship HMS Victory from the Battle of Trafalgar.
A special mention goes to all the mess members who have represented their cap badge, and mess in sporting and charity events. Notably two mess members conducted an ultra-marathon around the Isle of Wight for a veteran’s charity and one of our members who will take part in a 24hr stretcher race for Challengers charity in August.
WO2 McAvoy MBE PMC
This period has seen some excellent moments for the Sjts’ Mess. We have had the opportunity to dine out several mess members, WO2 Benbow on commissioning to Captain, and WO2 Navunisaravi and CSjt McManus upon completion of 24 years’ service. We also dined out Rgr Hassan who has completed a full career as a Rifleman/ Ranger and was presented with a silver Bugle. We also had the honour of hosting
CGS himself, General Sir Patrick Sanders KCB, CBE, DSO, ADC Gen on one of his final visits during his illustrious career as a staunch Rifleman. We afforded him the time and opportunity to reminisce about his time in the Battalion which was both emotional and an immense privilege for us all.
We have seen members come and go within the mess with many appointments changing hands. This has not however
We also had the honour of hosting CGS himself, General Sir Patrick Sanders
General Patrick visits 4 RANGER for the last time
RIFLES The Bugle 29