Sergeant’s Mess
1st (Northern Ireland) Battalion Army Cadet Force
Mess Rules
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RULES FOR THE SERGEANTS MESS
1 (NORTHERN IRELAND) BATTALION - ARMY CADET FORCE
st
1. These rules have been drawn up in accordance with the orders and instructions as laid down in Queen’s
Regulations (QR.) Paragraphs 5.747 to 5.757 and Annex D to chapter 5 QR’s. They are to be
previewed when necessary by a committee of Mess Members appointed by the President of the Mess.
2. These rules supersede all previous Mess Rules and the previous Rules are hereby cancelled.
3. A well-conducted Mess is indispensable in the life of the Battalion and has a fundamental and
profound influence on Battalion morale. Whilst the Mess Committee will do everything in its power to
promote and sustain efficiency, good service and general well being, its ultimate success will depend
largely upon the LOYALTY AND SUPPORT OF ALL MEMBERS. For this reason all members
are expected to take a full and active interest in all aspects of Mess life and to bring forward any
suggestions for improvement to the Mess Committee.
4. The Cadet Commandant (ACF) as unit Commanding Officer under authority vested in him by Queen’s
Regulations Paragraph 5.747 directs these rules are to be taken into use and observed forthwith.
5. The rules are composed as follows:
Annex A:
Annex B:
Annex C:
Annex D:
Annex E:
Annex F:
Annex G:
Annex H:
Annex I:
Annex J:
Annex K:
Annex L:
Annex M:
Annex N:
Annex O:
Annex P:
General Rules.
Duties of the Supervising Officer.
Duties of the President of the Mess Committee (PMC).
Duties of the Mess Treasurer.
Duties of the Property/Silver Member.
Duties of the Messing Member.
Duties of the President of the Entertainments Committee (PEC).
Duties of the Mess Accountant.
Mess Dinners Procedure.
Bar Opening Times.
Dress Regulations.
Handover/Takeover Certificates.
Procedure for the Conduct of Mess Meetings.
Duties of the Mess Steward.
Complaints Preforma.
Presentation Scale.
6. It should be noted that it is the responsibility of ALL Mess Members to see that these rules are
observed at ALL times.
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{Original Signed}
{Original Signed}
W COLGAN
Regimental Sergeant Major Instructor
1st (NI) Bn ACF
COLONEL D J KANE
Cadet Commandant
1st (NI) Bn ACF
Date: 06 February 2014
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Annex A
to Mess Rules
Date _______
GENERAL RULES
CONSTITUTION
1. The Mess shall be known as the Sergeant’s Mess, 1st Northern Ireland) Battalion, Army Cadet
Force, hereafter referred to as ‘The Mess’.
2. The Mess shall be a self-governing body within the provisions of Queens’ Regulations.
3. The President of the Mess will be the Regimental Sergeant Major Instructor of
1st (Northern Ireland) Battalion, Army Cadet Force.
4. The President of the Mess is to be responsible to the Cadet Commandant 1st (Northern Ireland) Bn
ACF for the conduct of the Mess. This responsibility is to be exercised through the Supervising
Officer appointed by the Commandant.
MEMBERSHIP
5. Members. All Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAV) (Sergeant Instructor status) on the strength
of 1st (NI) Bn ACF are full members of the Mess.
6. a. Honorary Members. Honorary membership of the Mess may be given to persons of Mess
status who are not on the strength of 1st (NI) Bn ACF. Such membership shall be subject to having
been proposed, seconded and passed unanimously approved at a Mess meeting.
No more than ten persons may be voted to this status.
b. Temporary Honorary Members. Temporary Honorary membership may be granted by the Cadet
Commandant on the recommendation of the PMC to attached personnel of Mess Status. Such
members may be subject to Mess charges during their temporary membership.
c. Members referred to above in a. and b. will not have voting rights at Mess meetings and will
comply with all Mess rules whilst enjoying the privilege of using the Mess.
VISITORS AND LADIES
7. a. Visitors are not permitted in any part of the Mess unless accompanied by a member.
b. When a lady enters the Mess (other than female Mess members) all members will stand. Ladies
are normally allowed into the Mess at evening time except formal mess dinner evenings. Ladies
are not permitted to stand or sit at the bar.
GUESTS
8. Members inviting guests to the Mess are:
a. First to obtain the permission from the President, PMC or senior member present for such guests to
enter the Mess.
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b. Be responsible for such guest’s behaviour in the Mess and ensure the guest leaves when the
member leaves.
c. To introduce their visitors to the Mess President or in his absence the PMC or senior member
present as soon as possible.
MESS GUEST DINNERS
9. a. Only the President may authorise drinks for Mess guests to be charged against Mess funds.
Detailed receipts signed by the Mess President and Treasurer is the authority for the Treasurer to
charge the cost against the General Purpose Fund.
b. Members who find themselves present with a guest, who they believe should be entertained at
Mess expense, should inform the President of this (if he is present) and request his authorisation as
at Para 9 a. or (if the President is not present) pay for the entertainment of the guest themselves,
asking the Mess Steward to record the drinks on a receipt. This receipt should then be submitted to
the President of the Mess, along with a written explanation, for approval. It should be noted that
such circumstances should only occur rarely and consequently the Mess President will only
authorise such payments in exceptional circumstances. Costs so authorised can be charged against
the GPF.
BAR
10. a. Bar opening times are to be displayed at the bar and on the Mess notice board.
Timings are laid down in Annex J.
b. Honorary members and guest are NOT permitted to buy spirits by the bottle
from the Mess.
11. The senior member present is to ensure that the bar closes at the time stated in
Annex J. He/She is also to submit a report (in writing) to the Mess President forthwith if the Mess bar
is kept open after the stated hours. This report should indicate the reason for the extended hours. The
bar once closed will not be re-opened.
12. Only members and their guests are to be served at the bar. Persons under the age of 18 are not to be
permitted to purchase or consume any alcoholic drink.
13. Purchases may be made by members (only) for consumption outside the Mess only with the
permission of the President.
14. No such purchases (Para 13) may be made after 2200hrs.
15. a. Members wishing to join the Mess after 2300hrs must first ask permission from the Mess President,
PMC or senior member present. No member so entering should normally bring a guest at that time
unless special circumstances exist. The President, PMC or senior member present shall
then rule on the facts at the time.
b. Rule 15a. may be relaxed if training is programmed to finish after 2300hrs (Magilligan only).
MESS COMMITTEES
16. The Mess Committee is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Mess.
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It shall comprise the following:
President of the Mess Committee PMC (1)
Secretary (1)
Treasurer (1)
Property and Silver (1)
President of Entertainments Committee(1)
Messing Member(4max)
Sergeant Major Instructor (SMI)
SMI
SMI
Any Rank
Any Rank
Any Rank
17. The Entertainments Committee is appointed by the President and is to comprise a Colour/Staff
Sergeant or Sergeant as president and 4 members (preferably one from each Company).
18. Should a member of the Mess Committee be unable to carry out his/her tour of duty for any reason, a
replacement shall be appointed by the President of the Mess.
19. The Committees normal term of duty is to be 1 year.
20. Special purpose Committees are to be formed as and when directed by the President who will either
appoint or call for volunteers to serve on such committees.
DRESS
21. Members are AT ALL TIMES to be cleanly and correctly dressed in the Mess.
22. The correct form of dress is laid down at Annex K and WILL be posted on the Mess notice board.
23. Such variations as may be deemed necessary are to be ordered by the President of the Mess.
MESSING
24. Meal timings are to be displayed on the Mess notice board and are to be strictly observed.
25. Messing complaints are to be made to the messing member or PMC. On NO ACCOUNT is such a
complaint to be made to any of the Mess staff or catering staff. ALL such complaints are to be made
in writing using the Complaints Performa at Annex O. A written reply will be given in due course by
the PMC or messing member.
26. The kitchen is OUT OF BOUNDS to all members except:
a. The Mess President
b. The PMC
c. Messing member and Property member when their duties require them.
d. Members detailed duty in the kitchen.
MESS STAFF
27. The Mess staff is directly under the supervision of the PMC. The Mess Steward job description is at
Annex N. Members who have a complaint in relation to the Mess staff should complete the
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complaint form at Annex O and submit it to the PMC for his/her action. On no account should
members deal with the Mess staff themselves.
MESS BILLS
28. All members are to be charged such yearly subscriptions as may be approved from time to time by
the Commandant.
29. Mess bills are to be paid as soon as they are presented and no later than 30 days afterwards.
30. Payment is to be made to the Treasurer or representative. The preferable payment method is by
cheque.
31. On the first day of June, December and February the Treasurer is to report (in writing) the names of
those members who have failed to make payment of their Mess bills, to the PMC for information of
the President. The President is to take such action, as he/she deems necessary in relation to those
members.
32. Members leaving the Mess are to settle all outstanding bills before their departure. It should be
remembered that failure to settle such bills may be a criminal offence under civil law.
33. Disciplinary action may be brought against members for non-payment of Mess bills.
MESS MEETINGS
34. A Mess meeting will be held twice yearly by order of the Commandant. All members of the Mess
ARE TO ATTEND. Extraordinary meetings may be called at the Presidents discretion or by order
of the Commandant.
35. All matters brought up at the Mess meeting are subject to the approval of the Cadet Commandant.
36. All propositions are to be entered in the proposition book. Propositions should be clearly and
comprehensively stated. A record of Mess meetings should be kept by the Mess Secretary. This
record should be via the President and the Supervising Officer to the Commandant for his/her
approval/comment.
37. All discussions at the Mess meeting will be considered strictly confidential and will NOT be
divulged to any person who is not a Mess member without the permission of the President.
DISCIPLINE
38. The senior member present is responsible for the maintenance of good order and the observance of
the Mess rules.
39. Members are to conduct themselves correctly at all times. Shouting and the use of bad language and
general horseplay is all forbidden.
40. Gambling, except as part of a properly organised entertainment approved by the Commandant is
forbidden.
41. All incidents of misconduct are to be reported to the Mess President as soon as possible by the senior
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member present. The Mess Steward should also note this for the information of the President.
PROPERTY
42. All items of Mess Property are to be insured against fire and other risks the President and
Commandant consider necessary. Premiums are to be charged against the Mess Funds.
43. A property book is to be maintained by the Property/Silver Member, in accordance with the current
regulations. This book is to be secured by property member unless required.
44. A 100% check of Mess Property will be carried out twice yearly and a random check carried out
quarterly by the PMC, Mess Treasurer and Property/Silver Member or any combination of the three
office bearers.
MESS DINNER NIGHTS
45. Battalion/Mess dinner nights will be held in the Mess at the discretion of the President with the
agreement of the Commandant.
GENERAL
46. All suggestions/complaints regarding the Mess are to be made to the PMC in writing on the forms
supplied in the Mess (as per Rule 25). See Annex O.
47. Mess newspapers and periodicals are NOT to be removed from the Mess premises. Such items
Should be stamped using the Mess stamp.
48. Notices, advertisements, etc. are not to be posted on the Mess notice board without the prior
permission of the Mess President or PMC. Such notices should be stamped using the Mess stamp.
No
notices are to be removed from the notice board except by Mess Staff.
49. Meetings are not to be arranged in the Mess without the Prior permission of the President or PMC.
ACCOUNTS
50. All personnel responsible for accounts are to ensure that their books are maintained properly and
accurately. They are to be submit their books/accounts for checking to the PMC, annually, at the end
of each financial year.
51. Mess Ordering. All orders for the goods/property in relation to the Mess are to be written in a Mess
ordering book and signed by the President, PMC or Supervising Officer.
52. Presentations. Any member who leaves the Mess in good standing should receive a presentation
from the Mess. The amount spent on this presentation should be in accordance with the scale
detailed at Annex P.
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Annex B
to Mess Rules
Date _______
DUTIES OF THE SUPERVISING OFFICER
1. The Supervising Officer is appointed by the Cadet Commandant and is responsible to the
Commandant for the general supervision of the Mess. He/She acts as adviser to the President who is
responsible for the conduct of the Mess.
2. The duties and responsibilities of the Supervising Officer are as follows:
a. Supervision of the maintenance of the Mess accounts by the Treasurer.
b. Examination and signing of the main ledger prior to audit.
c. Reporting to the Commandant, by the end of the financial year, that all accounts due to and
from the Mess for that year have been settled or give reasons for non-settlement.
d. Checking of accounts and signing the account books when checks are made. His/Her
signature is to be prefixed “Checked by the Supervising Officer”.
e. Obtaining from the Treasurer a copy of the Statement of Account and confirming that
payments made correctly account for all Mess monies.
f. Ensuring that credit purchases are made only from those firms authorised by the Commandant.
g. Ensuring the security of all cash is adequate.
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Annex C
to Mess Rules
Date _______
DUTIES OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE MESS COMMITTEE
1. He is responsible to the President for the general running of the Mess and ensuring that the Mess rules
are complied with.
2. His duties and responsibilities are as follows:
a. The efficient running and cleanliness of the Mess as a whole.
b. The instruction and supervision of the Mess Committee members in the execution of their
duties.
c. At least twice yearly to check all accounts held by the Treasurer. Once checked all accounts
are to be signed and dated by him.
d. All checks are to be carried out in conjunction with the Treasurer and any irregularities are tot
be reported to the President.
e. Just prior to accounts being submitted to the Supervising Officer for his/her signature, or
inspection before audit, he is to initial and date such accounts.
f. Whilst ordering of goods/property etc. for the Mess may be delegated to the appropriate
member of the Mess Committee, all orders are to be seen, initialled and dated by him in the
Mess ordering book.
g. To sign and date all bills due to be paid by the Mess, having satisfied himself that all stocks
concerned have been correctly brought to account, before submitting them to the Supervising
Officer for payment.
h. On changeover of Mess Committee he is to supervise the handovers and ensure that a
handover/takeover certificate as at Annex L is completed, in every case 4 copies are to be
completed as follows:
1 to the President (for the Supervising Officer)
1 to the PMC
1 to each incoming and outgoing committee member concerned
i. He is to ensure that items of property, which are to be checked, are laid out to facilitate easy
and efficient checking and that all appropriate ledgers and books are available at the time of the
check.
j. On completion of all checks he is to ensure that items found to be deficient, for which bills are
to be raised, are to be subsequently struck off the appropriate ledger.
k. He is to ensure that all necessary preparations for Mess meetings are made and that all books
are made available to the President at appropriate times.
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l. He is to deal with all complaints including disputed Mess bills, which affect the Mess.
m. He is a member of the Mess property valuation board.
n. He is to issue and answer all invitations. The President is to be kept fully informed of all
invitations to and from the Mess.
o. On completion of his tour of duty handover/takeover procedure is to be carried out as laid down
in Paragraph h of this Annex.
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Annex D
to Mess Rules
Date _______
DUTIES OF THE TREASURER (SUBSCRIPTIONS)
1. The Treasurer is to be appointed by the President.
2. The duties and responsibilities of the Treasurer are as follows:
a. The proper maintenance and financial accounting of all matters appertaining to yearly mess
subscriptions.
b. To receive from the Mess members all Mess bills and to ensure that:
I. All cash or cheques are sustained with the Mess bill.
II. The Mess bill book is inked in and a time recorded of payment received.
III. All money/cheques are banked, and the Mess accountant is kept informed of all
payments so that lodgements can be recorded in the Mess account book.
3. The recovery of any charges arising from damages or deficiencies.
4. The closing, at the end of the year, of Mess bills and preparations of the balance sheet. This account is
to be submitted to the President and PMC.
5. Any of the Treasurers duties or responsibilities may be delegated to an assistant provided the PMC
authorises the delegation.
6. On completion of his tenure of duty, he is to prepare and submit all Mess accounts to the PMC for
checking and signature before inspection of the incoming PMC and Treasurer. Three official
handover/takeover certificates, as at Annex L, are to be completed by both himself and his relief and
the third for submission to the President immediately the handover/takeover is completed.
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Annex E
to Mess Rules
Date _______
DUTIES OF THE PROPERTY/SILVER MEMBER
1. The Property/Silver Member shall be appointed by the President.
2. His duties and responsibilities are as follows:
a. The checking against the silver/property book, at commencement of
duty, and twice yearly thereafter, all items of silver/property held by the
Mess.
b. The maintenance of the property/silver book and recording all additions with depreciations as
directed by the PMC. Invoices are to be submitted to the PMC for initialling before being
passed to the Treasurer for payment.
c. To complete the property/silver book, at the end of each accounting period, showing the value
of Mess property less depreciations. The book is then to be passed to the Treasurer for
checking and accounting.
d. The safeguarding of all Mess property and silver not in everyday use from damage and theft,
and ensuring that all items issued to individuals are signed for.
e. Handover/takeover certificates, as at Annex L, are to be completed on handover/takeover and
distributed as follows:
I. Copies to be retained by incoming/outgoing member.
II. One copy to the President (for the Supervising Officer).
III. One copy to the PMC.
f. Ensure all items of silver are clean and serviceable prior to use by the Mess.
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Annex F
to Mess Rules
Date _______
DUTIES OF THE MESSING MEMBER
1. The Messing Member appointed by the President, has overall responsibilities as follows:
a. To order all supplies required for Mess functions. These are to be authorised by receiving the
PMC’s signature on the order form.
b. To make continued efforts to improve the overall standard of messing.
c. To ensure the foodstuffs purchased for entertainment purposes are accounted for. He will work
in close conjunction with the President of the Mess Committee in this respect to ensure that
they are properly accounted for.
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Annex G
to Mess Rules
Date _______
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PRESIDENT
ENTERTAINMENT COMMITTEE
1. The PEC appointed by the President has overall responsibility for the detailed planning of all Mess
entertainments. His duties are as follows:
a. Ensuring that the entertainments programme is made out and distributed to all members well in
advance of the month to which the programme applies.
b. To ensure that live groups, singers etc. are booked in good time for any function for which such
entertainment is required.
c. To make arrangements for suitable catering for each entertainment planned.
d. To make a record of income and expenditure in respect of entertainment.
e. To keep the PMC informed of all aspects of entertainment planning.
f. To maintain a list of agent’s addresses and telephone numbers. This is to be passed on to the
oncoming PEC on handover as at Annex L.
g. To ensure that expenditure does not exceed amounts voted for specific functions.
2. The PEC is authorised to expend his yearly allowance from the entertainment fund. Additionally
certain sums, having been the subject of a minute carried at the Mess meeting, recommended by the
Supervising Officer and approved by the Commandant may be voted from the Mess funds for
entertainment of a special nature.
3. The PEC is to obtain receipts for all expenditure. The receipts are to be handed to the Treasurer as
proof of expenditure.
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Annex H
to Mess Rules
Date _______
DUTIES OF THE MESS ACCOUNTANT
1. The Mess Accountant is appointed by the Commandant and is responsible to the Supervising Officer
for the correct accounting of all matters appertaining to the Mess accounts.
2. The duties and responsibilities of the Mess accountant are as follows:
a. The checking and supervision of banking of all monies received into the Mess.
b. That all payments from the Mess account are accounted for by receipt and are correct at times
of payment.
c. That files are maintained for all payment/receipt vouchers and that all vouchers are crossreferenced into the account book.
d. When money is received in the account the payee has the correct accounting documents and
that all signatures are correct.
e. Keeping the President informed on all matters appertaining to the financial standing of the
Mess.
f. A twice-yearly check is carried out, ensuring that the account book and the current account
bank statement balance.
g. Publication of Annual Accounts Report (on Form 1514).
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Annex I
to Mess Rules
Date _______
MESS DINNER PROCEDURES AND PREPARATORY WORK
1. When a Mess dinner is to be held, the responsibilities for the organisation and presentations of the
dinner will be delegated either to the President of the Mess Committee or the President of the Dinner
Committee (PDC) who are to:
a. Submit a seating plan and menu to the President of the Mess for approval.
b. When approved, display a seating plan on the notice board before assembly of the members.
c. Prepare place cards complete with initials and decorations, correctly placed in accordance with
the seating plan.
d. Ensure that the tables are laid correctly including Mess silver and Menu card holders.
e. Ensure that stewards are ready for duty at least 15 minutes before dinner commences.
f. Ensure that stewards are correctly dressed and spotlessly clean.
g. Ensure that stewards are properly instructed as to their duties for serving wine and food.
h. Ensure that Mr. Vice is instructed in the workings and procedures for his/her duties.
GUESTS
2. When guests are present, any member shown on the seating plan with a guest on their right hand side is
responsible for acting as host to that guest. Hosts are to be present when guests arrive. The host is to
make a point of finding out whether his guest knows the senior member present and if not, introducing
him or her at the first convenient opportunity.
SEATING PLAN
3. The President of the Mess is to sit at the head of the table and Mr. Vice is to sit at the bottom of the
table.
4. All members present are to acquaint themselves with the seating plan at least 15 minutes before the
dinner is served to avoid confusion and congestion at dinner call.
ASSEMBLY BEFORE DINNER
5. All members are to be assembled in the Mess at least 30 minutes before the time of dinner.
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GOING INTO THE DINNER
6. The PDC is to inform the President of the Mess when the dinner is to be served and with the latter’s
permission he/she is to sound the dinner call. On the sounding of the dinner call the President of the
Mess is to enter the dining room last escorting the guest of honour.
7. If guests are present the members not acting as hosts are to wait until the guests have been escorted
into the dinning room.
8. When all members are standing in silence, grace is to be said. If a Padre is present he or she is to say
grace otherwise it is said by Mr. Vice.
DURING DINNER
9. No member other than the President of the Mess and the President of the Dinner Committee is to give
orders to the Mess staff.
10. In the event of it being imperative for a member to leave the table during dinner, he or she is first to
obtain permission from the President of the Mess.
11. Members arriving late for dinner are to report for permission from the President of the Mess to join the
table.
12. Display silver MUST NOT be touched.
13. At the conclusion of dinner the table is to be cleared with the exception of floral decorations, port
glasses and silver.
THE LOYAL TOAST
14. Procedures for drinking a toast in the Sergeants’ Mess are as follows:
a. After the table has been cleared, port glasses will be laid for each person. A decanter of
port is placed in front of the PMC and Mr. Vice. Members are to charge their glasses and
pass the decanter by placing it on the table and sliding it to the member on the left. The
decanter is NOT to cross the table. The Mess Steward will deliver the decanter across the
gaps on the seating plan.
b. Members are not to partake of port wine until the Loyal Toast.
c. The Mess Steward takes position behind the PMC.
d. All other staff leaves the dining room.
15. Sequence of Events: Loyal Toast
a. The PMC at a suitable pause in the conversation proposes the toast by ordering silence, i.e.
three strikes of the gavel and orders “Mr. Vice, the Queen”.
b. Mr. Vice then says:
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“Ladies and Gentlemen all stand. The Queen”
c. All present will lift their glasses from the table and say “The Queen” and then toast by
drinking a portion of port.
d. The same procedure will follow for the second toast to the Colonel of the Regiment, “The
Duke of Edinburgh”.
e. On completion of the Loyal Toast the Mess Steward with assistance from other stewards
will fill port glasses as required.
SMOKING
16. Smoking is not permitted.
17. Liqueurs are to be brought round by the stewards.
PROCEDURE FOR LEAVING DINING ROOM
18. At guest nights and formal dinner night’s no one may leave the table before the President of the Mess.
19. Members are to rise when the senior member rises from the table to adjourn.
20. Members with guests follow.
21. It is expected that Warrant Officers will follow after guests. The remaining members should then stay
in the dining room for a short period before adjourning.
22. Mr. Vice is last to leave the table.
GENERAL POINTS
23. Drinks served before dinner are not to be taken into the dining room.
24. The President may call a recess during the proceedings during which members may leave the table for
a stipulated time. All members MUST return on time as any lateness is considered an insult to other
members and guests.
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Annex J
to Mess Rules
Date ________
BAR OPENING TIMES AND RULES
GENERAL
1. Due to the different conditions, which apply in the Mess at Magilligan and Annual Camp, these rules
have been designed in two parts covering both locations in turn.
MTC
2. Hours of Opening
Day
Lunchtime
Evenings
Friday
Not Open
2030 – 0100
Saturday
Not Open
2030 – 0030
Sunday
Not Open
Not Open
3. These timings may only be varied on occasions where the Commandant has approved an extension of
bar hours.
a. When the senior member present considers for disciplinary, or other reasons, the bar should be
closed before the laid down time it is his/her duty to do so. However, in these circumstances
members should be consulted when possible.
4. When action as laid down in sub paragraphs a of 3 above is taken by the senior member present, the
President is to be informed as soon as possible by the person concerned giving the reasons for such
actions (see also Annex A Para 11 “in writing”).
5. Once the bar has been closed by the senior member present it is NOT to be re-opened, except when
authority is given by the President or the PMC.
6. The Mess is to be cleared by all personnel by no later than 30 minutes after the closing time.
CAMP BAR
7. Hours of Opening: These will be posted by the PMC on the first day of Annual Camp for the total
camp period. These may only be altered as detailed at Paragraphs 3, 4 and 5.
8.
Dress:
a. Casual dress may be worn (see Annex K). Uniform should not be worn after 2000hrs.
b. Informal Dress will be worn in the mess when guests are in the mess or as dictated by the
PMC or Mess President.
c. Annex K Para 5 is in force at all times in the bar at Annual Camp and during weekend
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training at Magilligan (or any other training establishment at which the Mess is set up).
9.
Entry after 2300hrs: Any member wishing to join the Mess after 2300hrs must present themselves to
the President, PMC or senior member present and ask permission to join the Mess (see Annex A Rule
15).
10. Other Rules: Other rules in conjunction with the bar can be found at Annex A Rules 1-15 and Annex
K Dress Regulations.
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Annex K
to Mess Rules
Date ________
DRESS REGULATIONS
1. Formal Dress: On formal occasions such as dinner nights the forms of dress are as follows:
Males
a. Mess dress as laid down in individual members’ service dress regulations, including miniature
medals.
b. Dinner jacket and black tie.
c. At the discretion of the Mess President.
Females
a. Mess dress as laid down in individual members’ service dress regulations, including miniature
medals.
b. Evening Dress or cocktail dress (below the knee) Shoulder should be covered.
c. At the discretion of the Mess President.
2. Informal Dress: On informal occasions (i.e. guests in the mess) the form of dress are as follows:
Males
a. Lounge suit with collar and tie.
b. Sports jacket/blazer and flannels with collar and tie.
Females
a. Dress trousers, blouses, top with a collar, plus jacket.
b. Skirt, blouse, top with collar, plus jacket or Dress of knee length.
3.
Casual Order: Casual dress is as follows:
Males
a. Polo shirt, open neck shirt (no tie) or T-shirt with collar and flannel trousers – warm weather.
b. As 3 a. but with sweater or jacket/blazer – cold weather.
Females
a. Linen trousers, skirts below the knee, tops but not vest tops.- warm weather
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b. As 3 a, but with sweater or Jacket – cold weather.
4. Medals: Medals may only be worn in the Mess:
a. On formal occasions.
b. On No. 2 Service Dress uniform.
c. As directed by the Mess President.
5. General:
a. Uniform when worn, should be clean and tidy and should only be worn after 2000hrs by
persons ON DUTY.
b. The following items of dress may not be worn in the Mess:
I. Combat jackets.
II. Norwegian type shirts (except under a jersey heavy wool).
III. Headdress (unless directed by the Mess President).
IV. Sashes and Regimental/Corp stable belts (unless worn on trousers).
V. Shorts.
VI. Sleeveless clothing (males only)
VII. Track suits or sports kit and trainers (unless on duty involving sports and PT).
VIII. Collar-less shirts and T-shirts.
IX. Cargo pants.
X. Football/Rugby shirts (unless directed by the Mess President).
XI. Flip Flop type shoes.
XII. Leather (Biker type) jackets.
XIII. Denim Jeans.
c. Badges of rank will always be worn when in uniform.
d. The President, PMC or senior member present will ensure those who are not properly dressed
retire and become so.
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Annex L
to Mess Rules
Date _______
WO’S & SGT’S MESS
HANDOVER/TAKEOVER CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that I No#: _____________ Rank: ___________ Name: _____________
Handed over my duties as * PMC/PEC/Treasurer/Property and Silver to:
No#: ____________ Rank: ____________ Name: ____________________
The following observations or deficiencies to record are:
Handed over by (Signature) ___________________
Taken over by (Signature) ___________________
Date ____________________
* Delete as applicable
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Annex M
to Mess Rules
Date _______
PROCEDURE FOR THE CONDUCT OF MESS MEETINGS
1. Mess meetings are constituted by order of the Cadet Commandant and may be called by him or by the
Mess President or PMC in the absence of the President.
2. Rules 34-37 of Annex A refer and apply.
3. The meeting will be organised by the PMC on direction of the Mess President.
4. The Secretary is responsible for recording of minutes at the meeting and the reading of the previous
minutes.
5. The Mess Treasurer should prepare a Statement of Accounts for the meeting.
6. The meeting will proceed as follows:
a. Address by the Cadet Commandant (if in attendance).
b. Address by the Regimental Sergeant Major Instructor (if required).
c. Minutes of the last meeting.
d. Matters arising from the minutes.
e. Treasurers Report/Statement of Accounts.
f. Matters arising from the Statement of Accounts.
g. Correspondence.
h. PMC points.
i. Reports from Committees (if any).
j. Proposals for the Good of the Mess – Proposition Book. Stand up to propose or second
k. Any other business.
7. The number of members present should be recorded in the minute’s book by the Secretary.
8. Any person’s addressing the mess should stand up.
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Annex N
to Mess Rules
Date _______
DUTIES OF THE MESS STEWARD
General
1. The Mess Steward is expected to ensure that the Mess is kept in good order and that any damage or
loss is reported as soon as practical. He/She is expected to ensure that the bar is run in a proper
manner. The job for Mess Steward is somewhat different between weekend training and Annual Camp
and for that reason these duties are subdivided into weekend training and Annual Camp.
Duty at Annual Camp
2. The Mess Steward shall be responsible to the Mess President for the efficient running of the Mess Bar
and to this end he/she will:
a. Provide service as bar person during opening hours as laid down by the Mess President.
b. Be responsible for ordering stock as required.
c. Will check all incoming stock agrees with invoices.
d. Carry out a complete check of all stock at the start of each day and be prepared to hand over
cash takings to the Mess Treasurer at the arranged time.
e. Ensure that the bar area and anti room are kept clean and tidy.
f. Assist the PMC with the setting up of Mess Dinners.
g. Supervise the catering staff, waiters, wine waiters and Piper on Dinner Nights.
h. Carry out relevant duties as detailed by the Mess President.
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Annex O
to Mess Rules
Date _______
COMPLAINTS PROFORMA
To:
PMC
From:
Date:
I wish to bring to your attention the following complaint(s):
a.
b.
c.
Signature __________________
Name _____________________
(In Block Capitals)
To:
From: PMC
I acknowledge receipt of your complaint dated

I attach my reply.

I am looking into the complaint
______________________
PMC
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Annex P
to Mess Rules
Date _______
PRESENTATIONS
After 7 years service of being fully paid up members of the Mess the following scale should be used for
presentations to personnel leaving the Mess:
WOI
WOII
SSgt/CSgt
Sgt
not exceeding
not exceeding
not exceeding
not exceeding
£70.00
£70.00
£70.00
£70.00
The above is the minimum to be expected from faithful and loyal members of the Mess, but in exceptional
cases, the Mess should vote on a sum of money for a presentation piece (i.e. exceptionally long service in the
Mess etc).
*NB
The above limits should be reviewed at regular intervals i.e. every 3 years.
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