Page 47 - QARANC Vol 14 No 8 2014

THE GAZETTE QARANC 45
September Inaugural Friends Reception and Lecture.
Members of the Branch supported this event and listened to a fascinating account of nurses experiences working in Casualty clearing stations /Ambulance trains /Hospital ships and barges. The lecture was given by, Dr Eric Gruber von Arni. The information was from diaries kept by the Sisters and was one of the best lectures I have attended so glad I went along.
Our summer outing was a visit to the Cutty Sark and Ride on the Thames Cable Car.
Members attended both Westminster Abbey Garden of Remembrance and Cenotaph Parade.
Christmas Lunch held in at Guy’s Hospital Roben’s Suite was excellent with 68 members and friends attending. Special guest this year was our very own Editor of Gazette Lt Col Pat Gibson.
Dates for 2014
Tedworth House Visit 19 March Corps Day 6 April
My very best wishes to you. Allison Johnson
Millbank Secretary
Navy was a nail biting match with good rallies from both sides. Happily the Army won and Ben and Lawrence went on to win their next match and retained their title. Navy won over all 9 to them 7 to the Army. The ladies won 5 out of 6 matches but not enough to beat the navy.
We were able to take time out to have lunch in the restaurant which served a delightful choice of salads.
Then we were able to view the entrance to the club, the one we all see on the T.V and then centre court. It was truly breath-taking looking at the entire display of the Trophies, and the boards commemorating all the winners over the years. Then we entered through magnificent etched plate glass doors onto the hallowed ground of THE court. It is in many ways smaller than one imagines and the spectators are very close to the players, how do they concentrate in the atmosphere? The score boards displayed the scores of the Women’s Singles and of course Andy Murray’s unforgettable match. This was such a highlight of our visit.
Then it was back to watch the matches and cheer on the players. The afternoon ended with a cream tea which was a treat in its self.
Those of us who attended this event will certainly go again next year and would strongly recommend others to attend as supporters to our colleagues.
It really is a good day out and car parking and entrance is free.
Lt Col Retd Josephine Jones
Newcastle Branch
Chairman – Col ( Retd) Ann Clouston Secretary – Capt ( Retd) Lyndsey Staerck
The summer ended in Newcastle with a torrential downpour.....on the very day we had opted to have our ‘seaside outing!’ Never mind, despite being wet our day at our friend’s seaside caravan was wonderful with the atmosphere and company being anything but wet.
We were saddened to hear of the death of Gladys Healy, a Newcastle member but deeply moved in reading the wonderful tribute from her son Michael in the last edition of the Gazette.
In September we visited the Trinity House Museum and enjoyed a fascinating tour of assorted artefacts. There was a good attendance as you can see from the group posing below!
The last six months has sadly seen several of our members in hospital undergoing surgery. In fact our Chair Ann Clouston opened our January meeting by saying ‘Welcome to the Orthopaedic rehabilitation meeting! No one could outshine our ex secretary Eileen who with great splendour fractured her femur during the last dance at our Christmas function at the Brittania hotel – not too sure what
made her fall down! The hotel staff were a tremendous support during this crisis and thankfully Eileen is recovering well and the dance floor is ok.
Despite this hiccup all QARANC and RAMC members thoroughly enjoyed (as did Eileen) the festive food, spirits and fellow companionship.
2014 has commenced well with a large attendance for our January meeting with three new members. The meeting closed with a wholesome lunch of homemade soup and cheese was kindly provided by George and Sharon Davidson.
Our forecast of events for 2014 should be finalised by the time of our AGM in March. We look forward to another varied and enjoyable year with our friends.