The JR Mess at Waddo was boycotted quite successfully in 1970. It only took one meal, a Monday lunchtime, to bring about a total change in the management.
By the time we arrived at the Mess for dinner the whole place had been stood on its head. WO Paddy Shannon had been brought in from RAF Newton, a wider meal selection was available in a more presentable manner, and the staff had been "reinvigorated"
I do not know if there are members of the Goat from that era who will recall that particular day. WO Shannon was an absolute tartar to work for, however, from the consumers perspective the man was a God send. Poorly motivated staff coupled with a lack of quality food, (There was a scam being operated in the ration store that resulted in several courts martial.) was the spur for that particular day of action.
A visit from P&SS in an attempt to track down the ringleaders proved less than fruitful. The up till then,lacklustre performance of the caterers was rapidly turned around by their new taskmaster to the benefit of us as users of the Mess.
A couple of days of no income should give the contractors food for thought, and give them the opportunity to drastically rethink their method of operation. Their CoC will want to know why nobody is consuming their wares. I can also assure you it is a surefire way to bring it to the attention of the RAF CoC.
