Page 47 - QARANC Vol 17 No 2 2019

Not Forgotten Association Garden Party
Doris Kingsford and I from the Millbank Branch with Nicholas, Doris’ son were very privileged to attend this year’s Garden Party for The Not Forgotten Association held in the gardens of Buckingham Palace on Thursday 23 May.
3000 guests from 120 Military organisation charities, 32 military associations and care homes were invited to this wonderful event.
It was so exciting to see the Yeoman of the Guard marching in formation to line up, looking impeccable in their uniforms. Shortly afterwards one of the military bands played the National Anthem on the arrival of our hostess, Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Gloucester. The band continued to play a selection of music whilst Her Royal Highness spoke to some of the guests who were presented to her.
Everyone enjoyed a delicious afternoon tea followed by copious amounts of strawberries and cream. This was complemented by the lovely warm sunshine afternoon. There was plenty of time to explore the gardens and guests had the chance to meet a few celebrities who all seemed in awe of the Armed Forces community and their contributions. The day ended with The Band of the Royal Armoured Corps Beating the Retreat whilst the Yeoman of the Guard again lined up.
It was an incredible experience on an amazing day enjoyed by all of us who attended. It really was an absolute honour to have been invited.
Terri Pitts and Doris Kingsford
Terri Pitts with Yeomen of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
Corps Day Celebrations
Over 40 members of the Millbank Branch, serving and retired and their guests attended the Millbank Corps Day service on Sunday 31 March in the Chapel of the Royal Hospital Chelsea. The Association Standard was paraded by the standard bearer, Captain Kirsty Catchpole escorted by Ms Terri
Sgt Bodden-Whisker, Ms Terri Pitts, Captain Kirsty Catchpole and Mrs Christine Eberhardie with the Millbank standard
at Corps Day, Royal Hospital Chelsea
Members of the Millbank Branch enjoying lunch at Corps Day
The Gazette QARANC Association
Pitts and Mrs Christine Eberhardie.
The service was led by the Reverend Steven Brookes, Chaplain of the Royal Hospital Chelsea and newly appointed Deputy Priest in Ordinary to Her Majesty The Queen. The service included the QARANC Collect and the choir left the chapel to Grey and Scarlet, the Corps March. It does sound very impressive played on the organ. As it was also Mothering Sunday, all ladies were presented with a posy of flowers on leaving the chapel.
The service was followed by drinks, allowing time for everyone to chat, raffle tickets to be sold and
also gave the Chaplain the chance to show his new scarlet robes of office. Everyone then retired to the In-Pensioners dining room to enjoy a delicious curry lunch. After the raffle and notices of future events, a few hardy souls managed to round off the day with a drink in the bar.
Everyone enjoys the annual gathering as it is a great opportunity for serving and retired members to share their memories. Millbank Branch members are particularly delighted that they have been able to hold the service in the lovely setting of the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
Julia Jones
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BRANCH NEWS