Warrant Officers' and Sergeants' Mess
The Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess provides a club facility for Warrant Officers (WO) and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCO).
MESS MANAGEMENT
2. The Officer Commanding Devon and Somerset Wing (OC Dev & Som Wg) is ultimately responsible for the general discipline, tone and management of the Mess. He delegates responsibility to the Officer IC the Mess, who will be responsible for the supervision, conduct and management of the Mess, its accounts and its funds
MESS MANAGEMENT AND MESS COMMITTEE
3. The Mess Committee is responsible to the OC Dev & Som Wg, through the Officer IC the Mess, and to the membership, for the management of the Mess. The Committee normally consists of no fewer than 4 members, each of whom should serve for a period of 12 months. The Committee is constituted as follows:
Chairman. A senior WO of Dev & Som Wg is appointed by the OC Dev & Som Wg as Chairman of the Mess Committee (CMC).
b. Committee Members. A minimum of 3 WOs or SNCOs are elected by the Mess members at a General Meeting to serve as Members of the Mess Committee. Committee members are appointed as Secretary, Treasurer, Entertainment's etc, by the CMC, according to the needs of the Mess.
MESS MEMBERSHIP
Full Membership, which is open to all WOs and SNCOs of Dev & Som Wg.
Affiliated Membership, Civilian Instructors of Dev & Som Wg ATC; Any WO or SNCO serving in the ATC ; Service helpers on temporary duty or associated with Dev & Som Wg
Honorary Membership, Any Retired WO or Snco and persons of suitable standing within the organisation or community. To be proposed and seconded by two full members of the mess and their application taken in front of the mess committee. for approval for a period of 12 Months.
5. These Mess Rules should be read carefully by all WOs and SNCOs upon taking up their appointment. They are issued by the OC Dev & Som Wg and are to be obeyed to the letter. Copies of the rules are issued to all Mess members. Ignorance of the rules will not be accepted as an excuse!
6. Discipline. The senior WO or SNCO present at a Mess function, at the time, is responsible for the maintenance of good order and discipline and for observance of Mess Rules and Regulations.
7. Dress. Relaxed dress has become more common throughout Messes. Members of Dev & Som Wg WOs & Sgts Mess are required to be suitably attired when attending organised Mess functions. Suits, Sports Jackets or Blazers, with collar and tie for males, dresses/skirts and blouses for ladies are accepted modes of civilian attire when attending Mess functions. However, on certain formal occasions, Mess dress, black tie or lounge suits are required. To avoid embarrassment, it is always prudent to read any notices regarding Mess functions and check the dress requirements. During the summer months, the CMC or the Senior Mess Member present, may authorise Planters Dress, ie open neck short-sleeved shirt and trousers. (No Jeans or sports shirts)
8. Mess Guests. Members are permitted to invite guests into the Mess on certain guest nights. The senior member present is to be approached as a matter of courtesy. Members are responsible for the dress and behaviour of any guests they bring into the Mess. Tactfully, ensuring that their guests conform to the Mess standards as laid down in the Mess rules. Member’s guests remain their responsibility from their arrival, until their departure. Therefore, members are not to leave until their guests have departed.
GENERAL BEHAVIOUR
9. General rules of behaviour are:
Have consideration for others at all times.
Good behaviour is paramount – do not let yourself down by inappropriate behaviour.
Take any complaints to the Committee or CMC.
Do not smoke at the dining table at any time.
Do not use mobile ‘phones in the main function areas.
Head - dress is not to be worn in the Mess.
All outer garments should be hung in cloakrooms before going into main function areas.
Gambling of any description is absolutely forbidden.
Any Mess Bills must be settled promptly.
