Customs and Practice
Customs and Practice
deputies who are to assume their full duties in the absence of the primary member. Any member of the Mess Committee who leaves the station for more than ten days should inform the PMC, who must appoint a suitable relief. Mess Committee meetings should be held as directed by the PMC. General Mess meetings, chaired by the PMC and attended by the majority of the Mess members, should be held twice a year.
Waiters shall be instructed to charge such drinks relatively to the Members concerned.
Mess Rules Officers’ Messes used to conform to a set of regimentally produced Mess Rules. Given that messes are run under a civilian contract these days, specific rules for the administrative running of Messes should still continue and these should be produced at each location. Notwithstanding the contract however, there is a requirement to understand and continue the many fine traditions that have been built up over many years amongst the antecedent Regiments. As with so many other aspects of Regimental life we need to ensure that the Golden Thread of these traditions is maintained.
Practice The member responsible for routine Mess Discipline shall be known as the “Senior Living In Member.” He shall be the senior Member living in the Mess and shall be appointed by the PMC. It is customary in the Regiment to address the Commanding Officer as ‘Colonel’ in the Mess and on other informal occasions, and all other officers, up to and including Majors, by their first names. Members shall rise when the Commanding Officer enters the Anteroom for the first time each day, and each time he enters before meals. On Regimental Guest Nights and Dinner Nights, except when otherwise ordered, Members shall be present in the Anteroom fifteen minutes before dinner is announced. Should a Member be late in arriving in the Anteroom before dinner he shall make formal apology to the senior Member present. There shall be no standing of drinks in the Mess. The gesture of Members offering drinks to other Members may be made, but the Mess 38
Guests & Honorary Members Regimental Guests as decided by the Commanding Officer may be invited to the Mess. Officers are encouraged to invite their own private guests into the Mess but are to be responsible for ensuring they adhere to Mess etiquette. Mess members must be able to explain various regimental traditions and historical aspects to guests as necessary. Expenses incurred by regimental guests shall be paid for on a pro-rata basis according to the rank of members. Expenses incurred by private guests shall be paid for in all respects by their hosts. All guests shall be introduced on their first arrival to the Senior Member present. Members shall rise whenever any visitor or guest enters the Anteroom for the first time. On Regimental Guest Nights and other formal functions, the PMC shall detail Members to meet the Regimental Guests on their arrival at the front door of the Mess Building. No Member shall leave the Mess until after the last Regimental Guest has departed from the Mess. Any Mess Member may bring a guest into the Anteroom or bar whenever a member so wishes. Mess members must ensure any guests are correctly hosted. If a guest is waiting for someone, they are to be made to feel welcome and at home until that person arrives. No guest is to be accommodated in the Mess overnight unless specific authority has been granted by the PMC. The PMC shall submit to the Commanding Officer from time to time the names of those people suggested as Honorary Members of the Mess. The Mess Secretary shall maintain a record of addresses of all Honorary Members of the Mess.
Financial Matters Mess Subscriptions as laid down by Queen’s Regulations and contributions as laid down by the Commanding Officer shall be paid by all Members for the following: Ɋ Entertainments Ɋ Honorary Colours 39
