Dining out Night

[techie_tubby]

Ladies, Gents I am in need of your experience!! Probably most of it going to come from Officers and SNCO's but any help will be appreciated.

I have been invited to a Dining Out night and I am trying to find a copy of "The Rules". I am aware of the basic ones, don't let the port touch tha table, pass to the left etc but I am not aware of them all.

Any chance anyone can enlighten me please?

 

[SgtScribbly]

dont get up from the table for a p1ss until you are told its okay, so deffo go for leak just before you sit down

 

[Realist78]

dont get up from the table for a p1ss until you are told its okay, so deffo go for leak just before you sit down

This is now a thing of the past due to good old H&S etc although I daresay that there are a few diehards with bladders the size of a bucket who play it otherwise!

 

[techie_tubby]

The top table is for my father's Wing Cdr. I can't see him breaking from tradition for this top table.

 

[Realist78]

The top table is for my father's Wing Cdr. I can't see him breaking from tradition for this top table.

It's not about tradition. At the last dozen or so of formal top tables that I have been at, it has been a case of an opening statement saying that anyone can feel free to have an 'admin break' whenever they feel necessary but not during the speeches etc.

 

[Cooheed]

If you have a bird next to you pour her port for her and make idle chit chat, don't start scoffing till the top table does and tap politely on the table when everyone else does! Don't forget to get pssed.

 

[SirSaltyHelmet]

Drink pints of lager! Great for the bladder

 

[penfold93]

Dont touch the silverware in the centre of the tables (salt and Pepper pots ok)

Remain standing behind your chair awaiting the Grace (usually Mr Vice).

If you are sat next to a lady pull her chair out when she is about to sit down and help her into her chair.

CHECK for fishing wire tied to utensils cutlery etc, when opening your napkin do it carefully by your side as it may be filled with talc, confetti etc.

Do NOT allow your place card to be taken as soon as you sit down hide it, but feel free to steal someone elses.

Get hooped and enjoy.

Any specific questions PM me

 

[dumbsumpy]

Check out the SNCO's mess section of the Cosford Intranet. Full of good gen as it's where most new Snecs have to go!

 

[needsabiggerfuse]

Don't get caught with a 'bungie-strap' bow-tie! Learn how to tie a real one. DT_Xtremez_30:

 

[Never Alert]

It's not about tradition. At the last dozen or so of formal top tables that I have been at, it has been a case of an opening statement saying that anyone can feel free to have an 'admin break' whenever they feel necessary but not during the speeches etc.

Don't mistake the rules for a top table or guest night with those of a dining in night!

Get up for a pee if you so desire however, it will cost you a bottle of port if the CMC or Mr Vice see you.

 

[techie_tubby]

Not a Dining in night, it's a Dining out night, does that make a difference to the rules?

 

[White2sugars]

Dining-in or out??

Dining-in or out??

Technically there is no such thing as a dining-out. All formal dinners in the mess are dining-in (even guest nights) and the term comes from the fact that all full members not on essential duty are expected to dine in the mess that night.

 

[Combat Rickshaw]

Top tip for the loyal toast (the bit where you quaff cheap port in honor of Auntie Bessie): if there is a band, wait until after they have played the first few bars of the national anthem before responding to the toast and drinking - if in doubt just hold your glass in front of you and wait til everyone else moves/speaks!

Also be wary of the 'meniscus' game where you pour as much port as you can into the glass until a positive meniscus is formed at the top - it looks great until you either have to pick the damned thing up to drink or someone hits the table and there's red stuff everywhere.

Also check under your placemat for risque gentlemen's literature.....