O-D and for those of us not keeping up...
Where we are is EV imparted his views on the function and Social gatherings in general that drew some response from O-D and others, including a reference to "MM" in a post by NRU74. It seems that Langleybaston thought this was a reference to "Old Met Man" and off we went, 90 degrees to track.
To get back on track, we await some response to O-D's riposte to EV about clubs and socialising in general.
I would add that having had the pleasure to belong to numerous Messes, it is the one thing about being out that I still miss. There's something reassuring about having a "structured" place of entertainment where most members have a common or at least shared interest. This extends neatly to "at home" functions where the rules as such simply ensure the evening is not some anarchic vomit-fest but a pleasant social interlude. If you really can't stand the thought of polite company, you can always reply-
"Frogmilla and I will be unable to attend the evening of the 7th due to a prior Badger-baiting appointment with our drug dealer,
Regards,
Sqn Ldr X"