Top Table Lunches
Why is it that these convivial gatherings to say farewell to mess members are no longer popular on the premier transport base in Oxfordshire. What used to be a much anticipated and fully supported function at Lyneham now seems to be trending to be held at other Stations or civilian venues. I attended two such functions at South Cerney Officers Mess last year, which was a great trip down memory lane and although enjoyable, due to the squaddification of the station, just didn't have the ambiance. The first occasion, when the two men and a boy from 29 Movs. Regt. were absent I just pitched up at the gate. The Modplod had a list of attendees. "Do you know where the O.M. is?" he asked. "I joined up here 50 years ago" I said. "Well you'll find it in the same place" he said. The second time, the pongos were "in" and we had to book in through the control of entry but were unescorted.
On the other hand, when 622 was inaugurated there was a choke point at the guard room at Braize of twenty or so vehicles because there were no escorts and only the arrival of a serving member, who managed to wave us all through as a "convoy", saved the blood pressures. I'm sure that even with contract catering Top Tables could still be a "Service" function rather than having to use the back room of "The Frog and Nightgown".
Last edited by Dougie M; 19th Oct 2015 at 13:00.