Page 31 - QARANC Spring 2024

Remembrance
at St Paul’s: “My shoulders ached but I was very proud”
After being selected to carry the standard, it was an honour to represent the Millbank branch. It was a slightly damp morning, arriving at St Pauls to be familiarised with the order of service and to what we would be expected to do. After a quick run through, the guests and dignitaries arrived, and the service started.
The standards were paraded to the steps of the nave and lowered for the last post and two minutes silence. Following this, we marched to the war memorial at the Bank of England, where wreaths were laid, and a short service conducted. We then marched to the Mansion house for lunch and an opportunity to chat to other serving and retired personnel. We also spoke with the newly installed Lord Mayor, who we were
The Gazette QARANC Association 31
pleasantly surprised to learn had some knowledge of our corps.
I think l can speak for the four of us attending, that we had a thoroughly enjoyable time and would encourage others to apply to attend in the future. To be a standard bearer would require a degree of fitness and some upper body strength to manoeuvre the flag. My shoulders certainly ached the following day, however I was very proud to represent the branch at this occasion.
Angela Donaldson
Chair’s report:
Outings and memorable moments in 2023
Millbank branch had two outings in the last year. The first was a visit to Charterhouse in early July, where 18 members were told of the history of the area; it was originally a burial ground for victims of the Black Death and then a monastery was founded next to the graveyard. After the Reformation it was a private house, a school for poor boys and currently as Alms Houses for the elderly destitute of the City of London.
Although a stone’s throw from the bustling Smithfield Market it is a haven in the area. It currently houses 37 men and three women in the accommodation. The residents are served meals in a dining room three times a day and activities are often provided. It was a very interesting visit, and we highly recommend it.
Our second outing, to Kew Gardens, had been planned for late in the year as we hoped to see a colourful autumnal display from the trees. But the weather forecast warned of Storm Babet and so our list of 12 attendees became three. We hope to go again soon (see Janette’s report).
The branch was well represented on Remembrance weekend, with our standard proudly being carried at St. Paul’s Cathedral and then paraded to the Stock Exchange where the wreath laying ceremony took place. Several members took part in the march to the Cenotaph, and I was asked to lay a wreath on behalf of the Association at Canterbury Cathedral. I was joined there by member Liz Gregory, who was laying a wreath on behalf of SAAFA.
Our Christmas lunch at the University Women’s Club, Mayfair, was a first for us at the venue and was well attended by more 60 members and guests, despite bitterly cold weather, train strikes and demonstrations. The meal was excellent, and Col. Marie Richter updated us on what was happening in the Corps. We were also able to go a little green, by having a random number selector for the raffle and we used different colour tokens for the Tombola.
Christine Duchemin, Chair