Page 56 - QARANC Vol 14 No 9 2014

54 QARANC THE GAZETTE
Turning the Pages
The Time Honoured Tradition of Turning the Pages of the Memorial Book of the QARANC this year took place at the National Memorial Arboretum on the new site of the Corps memorial. The site is now complete with the addition of very smart benches in black marble with the crests of the QARANC on the sides.
A good contingent of Officers and other Ranks gathered under cloudy skies but thankfully no rain. The gathering was complete with the presence of a bugler and music provided by a Friend of the Arboretum, who included in his repertoire the Corps march. 5 members of the Association and family members joined the group. Padre Stewart Young conducted the order of service.
The Turning of the pages was read Maj S Goff of 335 Med Evac Regt and Sgt R. McBrien. Two members of the Corps laid the wreath after the last post and reveille were sounded. The party then repaired to a marquee for lunch and of course lots of chat, catching up on the news. It was a privilege to be part of such a special occasion and we members of the Association Lt Col M. Williams (Welsh Branch) Lt Col Kibbey and Lt Col Jones (Millbank) and Chester and Midland were glad that we had made the journey to be part of a special remembrance for those who have gone before.
We Will Remember Them – Josephine Jones.
Not Forgotten Association, Garden
Party Buckingham Palace
This Garden Party was an amazing spectacular event. Everybody at this event, about 2,000 people, enjoyed the whole proceedings. To make things even better, the weather was very good the sun shone brightly, no rain and only a very slight cool breeze. Six QARANC members were invited, Marie-Louise Gibson, Ann Phillips, Doris Stannard from the Millbank Branch, Mrs Vera Hay – Legion D’honneur Chester Branch and Mrs Jill McNair West Country Branch and Mr Clive McNair (Jill’s carer).
Members of the Army, Navy and Air Force who assisted the disabled guests as appropriate greeted us.
The Yeoman Warders from the Tower of London dressed in their brilliant red, white and blue uniforms escorted Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Andrew, His Royal Highness the Duke of York when they joined the Garden Party. They spent a considerable time approximately 2 hours talking to the veterans.
The Tea Grand Marquee was grand indeed, stretching along the garden with tables and chairs inside as well as on the lawn for the guests. A fantastic tea served with lots of cakes, sandwiches, strawberries and cream and a choice of drinks.
There were some TV stars present Anton Du-Bech from Strictly Come Dancing, All Creatures Great and Small, and June Whitfield. Adding to the colour of the event, the Scots Guards Military Band played the whole time with a display of organized military marching at the end of the Party. The Palace gardens are beautiful, flower gardens, shrubs, and trees, giving a feeling of privacy in a country setting, away from the busiest central London.
The traffic could not be heard either. The Queen’s corgis were not invited. It was a never to be forgotten day, always to be remembered. A great honour and privilege to be invited, as it is a magnificent event.
Outings for the rest of the year
are under review
August 1st to 5th Millbank members will be attending and supporting the following commemorations/celebrations.
6 members will be attending the Step Short Parade in Folkestone.
10 members and friends will be attending Heroes at Highclere 23 members and friends will be attending Inter-services Tennis tournament.
2 members will be attending the Solemn Commemoration Vigil Service on the outbreak of WW1 being held at Westminster Abbey and finally Westminster Gardens of Remembrance.
It is Our 60th Anniversary as a Branch and I hope as many members and friends can meet up on September 12th to find out “What did you do in the War Mummy”
Please note that Guys Lunch is booked for Saturday 13th December please put in Diary.
I take this opportunity to send all our Members the Committees Best Wishes
Allison Johnson, Branch Secretary