Calling Notice for 2026 Op Updates & Annual Dinner
21 Aug 2026 - The calling notice has been emailed to MCDOA members for this year’s Operational Updates on Horsea Island and the 34th Anniversary Annual Dinner at HMS EXCELLENT, both of which will will occur on Friday 30 October. Last year’s highly enjoyable events were well attended (see here).
Last year’s dinner attendees in the wardroom at HMS EXCELLENT
In order to attend, you must be an existing member of the MCDOA. All past and present MCDOs and MWOs are entitled to full membership for the annual subscription fee of £15 while past and present WO(D)s, WO(MW)s and Army RE and RLC EOD & Diving specialist officers are eligible for free affiliate membership enabling them to attend MCDOA social functions. See our MOJO website here to apply for membership.
MCDOA Dinner 2026 - Calling Notice
This year's dinner returns to HMS EXCELLENT, this time, 1900 for 1930 on Friday 30 Oct. Our Guest of Honour will be TV documentary legend and friend of the association, Chris Terrill. It was Chris who first brought our late friend Bob Hawkins MBE to prominence in 1996 when he broadcast his TV documentary about HMS BRILLIANT in which Bob was a PWO. After producing a couple of series about the training of RM Commandos (during which he qualified for a green beret at the age of 55) and their deployment in Afghanistan, he again brought Bob to prominence in 2018 in the first of his two documentary series about HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH where Bob was serving as the First Lieutenant.
The format is a Mess Dinner, 2B or Black tie. As usual, the HMS NELSON Volunteer Band will provide musical accompaniment. To improve the quality and volume of singing, the repertoire will be published to attendees in advance, for self-directed Dog Watch instruction.
Your Committee has decided that the price for members should be £50, with guests paying £65. The Mess is charging £70 per head, so a great deal for attendees. Association funds are also supplementing wine with dinner and there will be money behind the bar on completion.
Last year’s dinner in the wardroom at HMS EXCELLENT
The book will close on 14 October. You will see that the booking form also includes a column for intention to attend lunch followed by the Ops Updates at Horsea. It is hoped that the PM timings will enable greater participation.
If you have any problems with booking, or further questions about the day, please contact Social Sec Kevin Giles on 077 5998 0101.
Operational Update Brief 2026 - Sign up
Audience for last year’s Operational Updates at Horsea Island
This year’s operational update brief will once again take place at Horsea Island following lunch, served at 1200, Friday 30 October, in the Officer’s/Senior Rate’s Mess.
Last year was particularly well attended with a cracking atmosphere in the bar during the run up. Confirming fish and chips will be a priority this year!
If you have already signalled intent to attend in the MCDOA Dinner book, there is no need to confirm. If you do not plan to attend in the evening, but do wish to attend the brief, please contact me directly to notify attendance.
Lt Alex Snow - Secretary
Position available
The comittee and association wish Ali the best of luck down under during her Australia PWO exchange position. However, this does mean the position of MCDOA treasurer is now vacant. Anyone who wishes to lend their services is requested to make themsleves known to a member of the committee.