Page 10 - The Gazette Autumn 2024

10 The Gazette QARANC Association
Corps Day service was both touching and thought provoking
On Sunday 24 March, approximately 200 QARANC regular, reserve and veterans came together for our annual Corps Day service at St Andrews Garrison Church, Aldershot, which was also broadcast live on Zoom.
The occasion was even more poignant as we commemorated the 75th Anniversary of QARANC. The sun shone and it was lovely to see everyone chatting and catching up outside the church prior to the service.
The building itself was stunning and its warmth and welcomeness could be felt immediately. It was by coincidence or fate that the church is home to 12 Cameron Chapel stones. Evidence suggests these stones were carved by a British soldier and were thought to come from Army Churches of Scotland in Egypt. The stones include cap badges of QAIMNS, QAIMNS (Reserve) and the Territorial Army Nursing Service.
Revd (Maj) Richard Begg led the service with enthusiasm and the choice of hymns were uplifting. The prayers and readings were both touching and thought provoking. We were fortunate and honoured to have the address delivered by Deputy
The theme
of friendship ran through the sermon and his humour and storytelling was relatable to all
Chaplain General Revd David Barrett. The theme of friendship ran through the sermon and his humour and storytelling was relatable to all-so significant one of our veterans had even lived the story of the ward in Germany! Looking around, he managed to bring smiles, laughter and at time tears to the congregation.
The Act of Remembrance and Turning of the Pages allowed a period of reflection and to remember those who were no longer with us. The readers of the names and the Standard bearers did the Corps proud.
Following the service, a substantial buffet provided by the QARANC Association was served. So substantial in fact that Sunday dinner was taken care of for many in the form of doggy bags! The cakes were phenomenal and added the cherry to such a wonderful day.
A huge thank you to all who attended, and everyone involved in the planning in making the day so special. The way everyone came together to help serve food, drinks and assist with the clear up can be summed up in one word-FRIENDSHIP.
WO1 Deborah Hamilton
QARANC Representative Sergeant Major