Page 23 - The Gazette Autumn 2024

something by June.” He assured that: “There is an immense amount of work being done in the background”.
He praised our Army nurses doing “great stuff around the world” supporting Ukraine and manning field hospitals. Col Paul touched on his impending retirement in October and thanked guests for “the support you give to the Association, the time you spend looking after each other, and thank you very much for supporting me”.
Colonel Commandant Andrea Lewis remarked how lovely it was to see “so many new faces” as well as the “old and bold” including many from her own years in
military service. “It’s important we have so many here, because this is a celebration of our history and our heritage.” She added that it had been an “absolute pleasure”
to work with Col Paul, whom Col Andrea had previously served with in Bosnia.
Taking his turn, Colonel Commandant Kevin Davis spoke about his recent trip to Canada to support QAs competing in the Duchess
of Edinburgh Cup. He joked: “With Andrea being in a new, high profile and high tempo NHS job, and Paul commanding his unit and being the CNO, someone had to agree to go to Canada and stay in a hotel overlooking the Niagara Falls, it was a really tough gig!”
Meeting young people at that event, and through the Prince of Wales Nursing Cadet Scheme he also discussed, suggests a bright future for nursing, he said. “If we
can hook these bright young people early, and make sure they become enthusiastic about becoming army
nurses, it future proofs us.”
Col Kevin presented Col Paul
with a framed Kings Crown Tippet Medal for his dedication to the Association as President.
Steve Bax
If we can hook these bright young people early, and make sure they become enthusiastic about becoming army nurses, it future proofs us.
The Gazette QARANC Association 23
QARANC Association Reunion Lunch 2025
We are considering the survey responses we received from attendees and will use these to decide the date, location and key decisions. As soon as more details are available, we will make these known. It is likely that the 2025 Lunch will be held later, with September 2025 as a strong contender. As always, we look forward to seeing as many of you there as possible.