Page 6 - QARANC Vol 14 No 13 2016

4 QARANC THE GAZETTE
Notices
Branch Membership
Members of the QARANC Association who are also members of Headquarter Roll are asked to consider joining a branch if there is one in their area. Branches are an excellent way of meeting people and each committee attempts to provide suitable functions and events for its members.
Branches are located in Aldershot/DMGSE, Catterick/ DMGN, Chester, Jurassic Coast, London (Millbank), Midlands, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, Northern Ireland, Portsmouth/DMGS, Scotland, Wales, West Country and South Downs. Further details are available from the Regimental Secretary.
Association Subscriptions
Members who still pay by Standing Order are urged to consider payment by Direct Debit. The necessary mandate is available from the Association Administrator at Headquarters.
South Atlantic Medal
The qualifying period for the award of the South Atlantic Medal without the Rosette will be extended from 12 July to 21 Oct 1982, when the airfield at Mount Pleasant was completed. Applications for the South Atlantic Medal, under the new time extension, will be accepted from 1 Oct 2014 onwards. The applications will be dealt with in date order.
How to claim: Full details on how to claim the new awards are available at https://www.gov.uk/the-ministry- of-defence-medal-office. Please complete the application form (from the link) and return it to the address stated. The following information will be required; Service number, Regiment/Corps, Full name, Date of Birth, Rank and date of discharge, plus your current name and address. Please ensure only you, as the veteran, sign the application form.
Veterans Badge
The Veteran’s Lapel Badge has generated an incredible amount of interest from veterans since its launch in
May 2004.
If you think you may be eligible and would like to obtain one, you can apply in a number of ways. Either online at www.veteransagency.mod.uk, via the Veterans helpline 0800 1692277 or by writing to: Veterans badge, Veterans Agency, Room 6108, Norcross, Blackpool FY5 3WP.
Joining the Association
Regular serving personnel, both officers and soldiers, become QARANC Association Members on subscribing to Corps/Regimental Association Funds through what is known as the Days Pay Giving Scheme. A percentage of a days pay is deducted at source every month towards this scheme. There is a requirement to complete a JPA E014 Form. Transfers in from other Corps and Regiments may wish to consider changing their payments to the QARANC (to be assured of the benefits) and this will require two forms to be completed – one to stop the payment to their former Corps or Regiment and one to commence the payment to the QARANC.
Reserve personnel now join the Association though a similar scheme but pay part of a days pay and only when eligible for a bounty payment.
Retired personnel join the Association through an application online or though the General Secretary for an annual membership fee (agreed by the Trustees) and is usually paid by Direct Debit.
Association funds are used for a variety of purposes and 50% of income derived through the Days Pays Giving Scheme is used specifically for benevolence.
Benefits of membership are numerous for everyone, both serving and retired, whether it be financial assistance during ‘hard times’, grants towards sporting and other adventurous activities or grants towards social events. Membership of local branches maintains esprit de Corps and camaraderie.
Please contact the General Secretary at regtsecqaranc@hotmail.com if you require more information.
ARE YOU A FRIEND OF THE MILITARY MEDICAL MUSEUM YET?
IF NOT WHY NOT? YOUR MUSEUM NEEDS YOU
Join to ensure that the archives of the past are conserved for future generations.
Application forms can be obtained from: MMM MUSEUM
Keogh Barracks, Ash Vale GU12 5RQ • Tel no 01252 868612 • E-mail friends@amsmuseum.co.uk