Page 33 - QARANC Vol 14 No 9 2014

British Forces Germany Corps Day
QARANC personnel based overseas in Germany were treated to a special guest during Corps Day Celebrations this year with the arrival of the Director Army Nursing Service (DANS) Col David Bates ARRC L/QARANC. Celebrations were held in the picturesque setting of Normandy Barracks, Sennelager, and it appeared that DANS had brought the sunshine with him. The Corps Day included a Service of Remembrance and Dedication at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes in Normandy Barracks, followed by an all ranks curry lunch buffet in the NATO Officers’ Mess.
The event was well attended by QAs from a variety of units within BFG, including Paderborn, Gutersloh, Bielefeld, and even as far north as Hohne and
Fallingbostel, along with several
invited guests from both BFG and the UK. The Service, led by the Reverend Alex Bennett, Chaplain to 20th Armoured Brigade, commenced with a presentation of the QARANC Association and Royal British Legion Standards. It was a powerful and stirring service, which incorporated two poignant readings by Cpl Pritchard and Sgt Price.
Following the Service the delegation moved back to the NATO Officers’ Mess for lunch. The standard of food presented was commented on by many guests, inviting many to partake in seconds (and even thirds; you know who you are..!). The atmosphere was one of openness and jovial discussion, which centred mainly on the seemingly impossible nature of the playing cards stuck to the
very high ceiling in the dining hall.
Once lunch was finished Col Bates and assembled guests
gathered to enjoy coffee and cake, and we were all treated to a very special surprise; a QA cake, adorned in Corps colours which was kindly baked by Mrs Carol Williams, one of the medical administrators from Detmold Medical Centre. Although reluctant to spoil this magnificent sight, Col Bates begrudgingly cut the cake (much to the pleasure of the assembled QAs!) and shared it around.
The delegation then settled down in a side room where Col Bates offered himself up to questions from the floor, providing a unique opportunity for personnel to engage in a very
constructive Q&A session. Col Bates recognised the good work that QAs have done in the past, not just historically but more recently in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as the good work we were engaging in around the world at present. Col Bates also re-emphasised the return to Contingency operations and how the Corps will be subject to structural changes as we approach Army 2020. DANS envisages that we will continue in our efforts to deliver quality care throughout these difficult times of change. He is confident that we, as a Corps, will continue to remain knowledgeable, credible, specialised and motivated healthcare professionals. Col Bates once again thanked us for all our efforts, and promised 2014 would be yet another memorable year for the QARANC.
SgtTimblin QARANC
THE GAZETTE QARANC 31