Institute of Naval Medicine unveils revitalised All Ranks Mess

General, Serving Personnel

This week we attended the official opening of the newly refurbished All Ranks Mess at the Institute of Naval Medicine (INM). Officially opened by Surgeon Captain (Ret'd) Jo Keogh OBE (Trustee of RNRMC), the space has been transformed into a vibrant, modern hub for serving personnel, thanks to joint support from the Nuffield Trust and Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC).

Previously constrained by limited capacity and functionality, the Mess had struggled to meet the needs of its growing membership. The refurbished space now features an extended footprint, improved access to the garden, and a flexible layout designed to accommodate informal gatherings, meetings, and a reinvigorated social calendar.

The financial support of RNRMC has been pivotal in the success of the refurbishment of the All Ranks Mess at the INM. As a small Establishment with no onsite accommodation, the Head of Establishments fund would never have been able to support such a project. However, despite being small, we still have a footfall of circa 5000 personnel, families, and visitors per year, so this facility will be of benefit to a great many people. Already, since the refurbishment, we have hosted three Mess dinners, a dine out, a summer function and even our first wedding reception as well as the day-to-day use of the facility. The feedback on the space has been amazing and we are seeing requests for the use of the Mess increasing.

WO1 (NN) Michael Taylor

As evident in attendance, the impact of this project is clear. Serving personnel now have a welcoming environment in which to connect, decompress, and build camaraderie, leading to strengthening morale and wellbeing at the heart of INM.

This project reflects the shared mission of the Nuffield Trust and RNRMC to fund environments that foster connection, support, and quality of life for the Armed Forces community. The new Mess will serve as a vital asset in day-to-day life at INM, creating lasting value for those who live and work there.

With the financial support, I have to give special thanks to two people. To Anne Carr [Head of Grants, RNRMC] whose guidance and support has been invaluable and without which, I’m not sure that this project would have even got off the ground. She is a great listener and has the ability to use her experience to foresee challenges before they happen allowing for hurdles to be avoided. Also, to WO2 Ian Davies MBE RM who took time out of his busy schedule to come down with Anne to the INM, to see the space, listen to the vision and to meet those who would use the Mess and understand their needs. All in all, this has been an experience, which sometimes has been a challenge, but with the support of RNRMC has been truly positive. Thank you.

WO1 (NN) Michael Taylor

Are you serving personnel looking for a grant?  

RNRMC offers dedicated funds for beneficiary groups.

Explore further on our Grants page here for more information and to apply: https://www.rnrmc.org.uk/apply-grant

 

peopel stood in front of the RNRMC board Michale Taylor holding a presented cheeseboard People gathered - sat down and standing in the new all ranks mess at INM People gathered - sat down and standing in the new all ranks mess at INM People gathered - sat down and standing in the new all ranks mess at INM People gathered - sat down and standing in the new all ranks mess at INM RNRMC on a screen in the new all ranks mess at INM Peopel sat down listening to a talk Decal of INM and RNRMC on a window Two peopel stood in front of a plaque Cheese and meats platter Peopel gathering in the all ranks mess in INM, Alverstoke People sat in the new all ranks mes at INM in Alverstoke, Gosport people gathered for the opening of the new all ranks mes at INM in Alverstoke, Gosport Surgeon Captain Jo Keogh OBE & RNRMC plaque on wall at INM