Page 33 - QARANC Vol 14 No 13 2016

Northern Ireland Branch
January-July 2016
Chair: Lt Col (Retd) Ruth Smith OBE TD Secretary: Maj Kerry McFadden-Newman ARRC
The Northern Ireland Branch continues to thrive and a number of events have taken place in 2016 with more planned for the remainder of the year.
We started the year with our AGM in February, which was attended by 22 members and we were delighted to welcome some new members to their first meeting. Following the meeting we were joined by family and guests and enjoyed dinner in the Officers Mess of 204 Field Hospital Army Reserve Centre in Belfast. This, like last year, was an enormous success with fantastic food prepared and served by the chefs of 204 Fd Hosp.
On 15 March 2016, a little earlier than the normal date, Corps Day was held at St Columbs Church in Thiepval Barracks, Lisburn.
The church service was conducted by Padre Ian Gamble MBE, CF 253 Medical Regiment and Padre Kevin Graham OBISB CF 204 Field Hospital, with many invited guests and past and present (Regular and Reserve) members in attendance. Amongst the special guests was Professor Martin Bradley, past Chief Nursing Officer for Northern Ireland and now an Honorary Member of the Association.
After the service a curry supper was served in the Annexe of the Officers’ Mess, where all of those attending had a chance to relax, meet with each other to chat over old times, as well as meeting some of the currently serving QA members. One of the past members commented that it was fantastic to meet with the younger men and women who are currently serving and to share stories and experiences.
A raffle was also held on the night to raise funds for the Association, with everyone contributing to raise money.
Linda Reed, QARANC Association NI Branch
We were pleased that one of our members was able to travel to Wales to join in the National Corps Day Celebrations being held in Cardiff in April. Lt Col (Retd) Joan Thompson reported back on how enjoyable this had been and how important it was to continue with a National Corps Day, bringing members, serving and former QAs and their guests together to maintain esprit de corps.
Three members attended the Florence Nightingale Commemoration Service held in Westminster Abbey. This was a wonderful occasion and during the stay, Lt Col (Retd) Joan Thompson, one of our members who works closely with the Florence Nightingale Foundation, ensured we were well looked after and facilitated a tour of St Thomas’ Hospital and the Abbey. Before returning home the next day, we saw the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace but sadly there was little time left for retail therapy before the dash to the airport.
Other events so far planned for the remainder of the year include:
• A trip to Fermanagh which includes a visit to the County
Museum and Florence Court, a beautiful house owned
by The National Trust (August)
• The Festival of Remembrance (November) • Christmas lunch (December)
It is hoped to look into a more extensive Battlefield Tour for 2017 and, of course, continue the recruiting effort of new members to join the Association.
THE GAZETTE QARANC
Church service to commemorate the Centenary Battle of the Somme. Major Marie Semple carries the QARANC Association NI Standard
Lt Col(Retd) Joan Thompson OBE RRC lays a QARANC NI Corps Day 2016 wreath on behalf of the QARANC Association
NI at the Battle of the Somme
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BRANCH NEWS
New South Downs Branch Launched
The inaugural meeting of the South Downs Branch took place at the Ardington Hotel in Worthing on Wed 20 Jul 2016. An afternoon tea was enjoyed by all who attended. QA cupcakes were the order of the day ...lovingly baked by the daughters of Capt Carolyn Ellis - now retired!
A Facebook page has also been launched under South Downs Branch – QA Assoc.
Committee roles were discussed with suggested events being planned for later in the year and into 2017. So watch this space.