Page 44 - QARANC Spring 2024

44 The Gazette QARANC Association
ALDERSHOT BRANCH
70 years young!
Chairman Pat Gibson MBE delves into the history of Aldershot Branch of the QARANC for this special update.
We all knew about the Association from our basic training, including the benefits of joining and the work done on our behalf.
I must confess, when I joined in January 1980, I signed the relevant forms to deduct the subscription from my wages and essentially forgot about it. Often you don’t realise the importance of the Association until you need support or funding for a sporting event or adventure training, and then after leaving the Corps you realise the Association provides an invaluable way to maintain a link with former colleagues.
Valerie Abrahams, an Aldershot branch member of many years has old copies of our Gazette from many years ago, and on chatting to her she remembered she has seen something in one of the editions about the formation of the Aldershot Branch (thank you Valerie). This is taken from ‘The Journal of the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps Association’ vol 2 number 7, August 1954.
Aldershot District Branch
On the 9th of June 1954 a preliminary meeting was called to discuss the formation of a local branch of the QARANC association in Aldershot and the surrounding areas, there was a good attendance on that date representatives of both serving an ex- service officers and other ranks.
A working committee was elected.
It was decided that owing to the formation of several local branches and the expected call on the already depleted funds held in the headquarters a
Pat Gibson (Top), Gillian Mansbridge (Above left) and Rhon right) making poppy wreaths ahead of the 2023 services of
All the fun of the fair (or at any rate quite a bit of it) was provided by the various sideshows a roulette wheel, rolling the penny etc
special effort should be made to raise sufficient money locally.
By this means it was hoped that the Aldershot district branch would be founded on a firm financial footing. A suggestion was made that a ‘Bring and Buy’ sale should be held before the opening of the branch this was unanimously adopted and the date agreed for one month hence.
Much hard work was put in by all concerned the products were pooled and a splendid selection of all manner of goods was assembled. The elements were kind - the 7th of July dawned bright and sunny and friends from Aldershot and district flocked enthusiastically to the Fete which was held in the QARANC Other Ranks quarters.
Six stalls in all were erected in the gaily decorated recreation room, and the tastefully displayed items ranged from hand work, food, white elephants, bathroom requisites, babywear and toys down to the bottle store where one paid ones’ Bob and took’ potluck,’ buying and selling was warm work and the arrival of ices was much appreciated.
All the fun of the fair (or at any rate quite a bit of it) was provided by the various sideshows a roulette wheel, rolling the penny etc, the fortune tellers were in great demand indeed we heard of one who did not even have time for tea she was so busy... there were guessing competitions raffles and lucky dips and having gone the rounds most of our guests were grateful to sit at one of the tables laid out along the drive where they were served with dainty afternoon teas.
The afternoon was great fun thoroughly enjoyed by helpers and guests alike. The grand total of £135 was realised and we are indeed grateful to all the friends of the Association who rallied so gallantly to support our efforts.
Staff Sergeant RA Dobbs
Gornall (Above Remembrance.
Essentially it will be our 70th year in June an opportunity to have a celebration to mark 70 years of our Branch. Any suggestions from our members will be taken into consideration.
Paticia Gibson MBE