Page 11 - QARANC Vol 14 No 9 2014

THE GAZETTE QARANC 9
business of the Association we have also had presentations from other Charity’s – who we have close links with – in order to understand their working practices and to share ideas. So far we have heard from the Officers Association and the Army Benevolent Fund but are hopeful to extend this to others.
12. We continue to hold our annual meetings with the Branch Secretaries in October. It is a very worthwhile meeting and very interesting to hear the news from the branches.
13. We also instigated our first meeting with the Branch Chairs – which took place in February of this year. It was a significant success with an exchange of valuable opinions and information and it is our intention that this will continue on an annual basis allowing us to focus on the strategic development of the Association.
Branch News
14. Once again it is my pleasure to announce the commencement of a new Branch – Yorkshire & Humberside – and we wish them every success in their endeavours in launching this new additional branch.
15. There was also a proposal to start another new branch – to be named the South Downs Branch – however given its geographical ‘footprint’ and following discussions with the existing Portsmouth Branch, it is now our intention to formally close Portsmouth and then launch South Downs. This has currently been put on hold as further investigation is required before we can proceed.
16. We are grateful for the continuing commitment of the Branch committees. Some branches hold 3-4 meetings per year and combine their activities around the same. Many other branches are now increasing the number of activities being offered and their variety - whether that is a battlefield tour, a barbeque, visits to Buckingham Palace or the National Memorial Arboretum – continues to impress.
It has been heartening to see the links between some of the branches and the serving personnel in their area, both Regular and Reserve, grow. The majority of branches now combine their Corps Day services thereby enabling serving and retired members to share their experiences.
All the hard work carried out by the Branch Committees is greatly appreciated by the Association.
Membership
17. The Association has continued to grow this year – we currently have 968 serving members, 95. Reserve members and over 1185 retired. Unfortunately a number of serving personnel are not currently members of the Association – it is voluntary – it should be noted however that the serving figures are always in deficit because the Army’s personnel administration system takes approximately 3 months to fully process an application. The General Secretary continues with her efforts to raise the profile of the Association and the benefits of membership.
The Gazette
18. The Gazette continues to be produced twice a year with Pat Gibson and our new publishers making great progress
in producing an informative, entertaining and polished magazine. I think you will all agree that it is something that we can be proud of.
19. Articles, from both individuals, units and branches, are always welcome, however contributors are asked to refer to the Guidance notes which are included at the back of every edition of the Gazette. Compliance with these notes should prevent delays in articles being included in the publication.
Chattels
20. Colonel Bush continued as Chairman of the Chattels Sub-Committee with Maj Chantel Whelan overseeing all our property. Significant work has been undertaken to preserve the property held, with monies being spent on restoration where necessary.
21. In March 2014 the Centenary Bowl, a most valued asset in our heritage, was gifted by the Headquarter Mess to the QARANC Association to ensure that Corps members, both past and present, continue to enjoy access to it. The bowl is now registered as an Association Chattel.
22. Units are welcome and do borrow some items for Regimental Dinners etc and as long as care is taken with them, this, it is hoped, will continue.
National Memorial Arboretum
23. Our new plot at the arboretum continues to develop. Following the success of our re-dedication last year, it is our intention to hold the June Turning of the Pages ceremony there with a lunch provided for representatives from all units & Branches. This will take place on the 3rd of June.
AMS Museum
24. You should all be aware of the reasons for the move of the Museum from Keogh Barracks which briefly are:
Poor ‘footfall’ due to it being inside the wire
Distance from soldiers in training
Lack of an Academic link to Birmingham
Requirement of additional exhibition & collection space
As an accredited Museum that accreditation could be lost if our collection or archives are at risk and at present they are.
25. Under the inspirational and dedicated chairmanship of Col Rosie Kennedy the AMS Museum trustees are working hard to ensure that the Museum is sited in the correct area. The new location is confirmed at Lichfield and the land is secured for a new build – outside the wire – as a joint venture with the Staffordshire, Mercian’s & Yeomanry. Money has already been committed by all to engage a specialist management firm to drive the project which has the working title of Frontline (The Home of the National Museum of Military Medicine and the Soldiers of Staffordshire & Mercia). Their current target for funding is £6 million and the officially opening is planned for 2018.
Your support – whether by taking out a ‘Friends of the AMS Museum’ Membership, visiting the Museum, its website or completing a survey – would be greatly appreciated.