• Full Mess Membership
  Officers on the retired list who work in a defence related business are eligible for Full Mess Membership. This costs Ł10.68 per month. Benefits include a vote on mess business, a credit facility (mess number) and attendance at all mess functions at a zero profit rate. ID card and vehicle passes will be issued on request to facilitate access to the establishment.
  
• Associate Mess Membership
  Officers on the retired list who do not work in a defence related business are eligible for Associate Mess Membership. This costs Ł10.68 per month. Benefits include a credit facility (mess number) and attendance at all mess functions at a zero profit rate. There is no vote on mess business but the views of Associate Mess Members will be represented at the Mess Committee. ID card and vehicle passes will be issued on request to facilitate access to the establishment.
  
• Active OA Membership
  Serving and retired Officers who do not wish to make full use of the Wardroom on a regular basis, may wish to apply for Active OA membership. The cost is levied at Ł20 per annum. Although the cost of mess functions will be at the guest rate, it is envisaged that, subject to OA funds and agreement by the OA Committee, the majority will attract a subsidy. A credit facility is not available and therefore all transactions within the wardroom will be on a cash basis. ID card and vehicle passes will be issued on request to facilitate access to the establishment.
  
• Country OA Membership
  Serving and retired Officers who only visit the establishment very occasionally may wish to apply for Country OA membership. The cost is levied at Ł9 per annum. The cost of mess functions will be at the guest rate and all transactions within the wardroom will be on a cash basis. Due to the nature of Country Membership, an ID card and vehicle pass will not be issued however, access to the establishment can be arranged at reasonable notice via the OA Sec.

Please note that all of the above types of members will receive the bi-annual newsletter and, if your email details are known, regular updates on wardroom social events.

One of the implications of the new membership structure is that Sports & Recreation Centre (SARC) membership is detached from mess membership. Although ex-Service personnel remain entitled to apply to join the SARC, potential applicants should note that greatly increased numbers of staff and trainees in HMS COLLINGWOOD are placing strain on the SARC facilities such that new ex-Service applicants are likely to be refused membership. Special cases/appeals will still be considered by SARC management. Application forms for SARC membership are located at the entrance to the SARC and the cost will be in line with current fee charged.

If you have queries on this structure you should in the first instance contact the OA Secretary, (via the Wardroom) who will provide assistance. Alternatively, any member of the OA Committee will be glad to discuss the membership structure.

G Meekums
Commander Royal Navy
Chairman, Officers' Association Committee