On 12 Aug 2023, the second Junior Officers’ Dining-In Night was held in the Sovereign’s Room of the RAF Club. Eighty JOs and Younger Members came together for an evening of fine dining, fun and games and to celebrate our involvement with this incredible establishment right in the centre of Mayfair.

Upon arrival, the guests were blown away by the incredible Hawaiian-themed decorations that had transformed the bar and Sovereign’s Room into a tropical paradise. We were even further impressed by the colourful cocktails that were served by the friendly bar staff. Arriving at our tables, all were welcomed by our heroic chief organiser, Naomi Miles, who introduced us to the beautiful building and setting. This was followed by this year’s PMC, Flt Lt Daniel Chorley, bringing a healthy dose of military ethos back into the festive atmosphere as he reminded us of our shared RAF heritage. For the dinner itself, the chefs outdid themselves, serving a delicious four-course meal including avocado-mango poke bowl salad, Huli-Huli chicken and pineapple upside-down cake with coconut and rum sorbet – a hit with all of the guests!

The dinner proceeded in typical military fashion, which those in uniform were pleased to introduce to our civilian guests; many of whom had never attended such an event. At the time of the dinner, the news was filled with reports of wildfires ravaging Hawaii, particularly the island of Maui. Therefore, all fines handed out by the PMC took the form of donations going to the relief efforts aiding in alleviating the impact of the natural disaster. Even beyond this, the guests were happy to give generously to such a vital cause. The dinner having concluded, Ms Vice (Assiya Khan) led us through some competitive Mess games, which resulted in a number of very satisfied prize-winners. There were no hard feelings though, as all had a raucous laugh at the antics of those present.

The Junior Officers’ Dining-In Night was again a roaring success and thanks go out to Naomi, Dan, Assiya and the rest of the Junior Officers and Younger Members Events Committee for putting on such a special evening. Special thanks go to the RAF Club Events Committee, bar staff, stewards and chefs for facilitating this – an evening which is well on its way to becoming an annual spectacle. Further events specially designed for our younger members are planned throughout the year, so be sure to check the Club’s website for more.

If you are a Junior Officer or Younger Member and have some great ideas for what you’d like to see at the Club, please get in touch! The Club’s Events Manager, Emily Moss (emily@rafclub.org.uk) would be more than happy to hear from you.

- Olafemi Xavier