RAF Summer Ball

Me and my lovely friend Caz.

I am very lucky to be an RAF brat. It means I've lived in 10 plus places throughout the UK and even had a few years in Cyprus. However, out of all the opportunities the RAF has given me and the places its taken me, the best thing in the last couple of years about being an RAF brat is getting to go to the Officer's Summer Ball!

My first experience of the summer ball was in 2010. To say I was excited was an understatement. I had seen my dad in his fancy uniform and mum in several ball gowns over the years and my sister in more recent years leave the house at 7 and return in the early hours in the morning, usually quite tipsy and often with random props they had 'borrowed' from the Mess (where the Officer's hang out).  I couldn't wait to go and see what it was all about.

My Dad and Boyfriend in the 
dining hall.

Each year the ball is themed, in 2010 it was a Venetian masked ball. So not only did I get to buy a beautiful ball gown ( if I do say so myself)  I got to wear a mask as well! It was all very Disney esc. In 2012 the theme was Alice In Wonderland which meant for some very cool and quirky decorations. And this year the theme was a traditional British summer- and to tie in with the theme the weather was a bit dreary. 

The infamous dessert room. 

The night starts with canapes suited to theme and a champagne reception. This is followed by dinner, which is usually the same every year. It includes salmon wellington, often a joint of beef, chicken of some sorts and honey roast gammon, and if that wasn't enough there's sides of various salads, potatoes and bread rolls. 

Even better after dinner there is the 'dessert room' - my favourite place by far! In here there are deserts as far as the eye can see. Sometimes there is a chocolate fountain and one year there was a crepe making station. There is no lack of food at the ball, there is also a cheese and biscuits room and often a BBQ later in the evening followed by breakfast at 3-4. 

My mum and the vodka luge. 

Each year there are some things specific to the theme, such as the pizza bar in 2010, the mad hatter's vodka luge in 2012 and the coconut shy and 'bucking sheep' this year. 

Girls Team.

With a little help mum won
the magnum!

However there are some things that are standard at every ball. These include fair ground rides such as dodgems, electronic clay pigeon shooting, dance floor with different bands throughout the night and a casino with fake chips but the chance for the player with the most chips at the end of the night to win a Magnum of champagne. 

O, and did I mention that everything is free? You simply pay your ticket price and then that's it! If nothing else its a unique experience being able to walk up to a bar or a fairground ride and not ask how much is that? 

I've been lucky enough to enjoy 3 RAF balls and would suggest if you ever get the chance to go- go! Its an experience of a lifetime and a unique insight into the world of the military. 

Alex and Nikki on dodgems. 

Thanks for reading! 

Meme Dendy