Page 51 - QARANC Vol 17 No 2 2019

West Country Branch
Chair: Sue James Secretary: Mo Holman
Since the last edition of the Gazette we have held two functions and celebrated the recognition of one member’s support and dedication to our Branch. The functions were the Corps Day lunch in Devon and more recently the annual general meeting and lunch in May, held in Somerset. Following the AGM Jim Ferguson enthralled those present with a presentation about a deployment to Afghanistan. The content was an insight into the current professional practice of members of our medical services, which was simultaneously thought provoking and inspiring. Jim’s prowess as a speaker was engaging – he should be taking appointments as an after-dinner speaker or, at the very least, a lecturer!
We are delighted that Pang Adams is the inaugural recipient of the QARANC Association Medal. Pang received her medal from Colonel (Retd) John Quinn, Vice President of the Association, at the annual Association lunch in May. In Pang’s words: “I was extremely honoured and delighted to have been awarded the Association Medal. I am very grateful to have been considered and would like to say a big thank you!
Pang’s citation by our Sue James, our Chair, is on the Association website but it is worth mentioning here that Pang has been a stalwart of the Branch as Chair and committee member and we have all benefited from her commitment. Pang’s talents are many; she bakes
Pang with one of her flower arrangements in Wells Cathedral
Pang Adams receiving the Association medal from Colonel John Quinn
The Gazette QARANC Association
exceedingly good cakes – come along to our Harvest event in October to try and buy! Also Wells Cathedral benefits from her flower arranging skills.
Our membership is growing across our five counties. It is not always easy for members to travel and meet up so we are hoping to develop our contact within geographical regions. If anyone interested in becoming a link within an area, please contact the Secretary for information at mlh60352@gmail.com
Mo Holman Branch Secretary
49
BRANCH NEWS
Welsh Branch
Chair: Caroline Whittaker Secretary: Rosy Hubbard
Welsh Branch members have had a busy start to the year with members participating in Branch and national events. Members attended the Sunset Service and dinner to celebrate Corps Day. There was also a presence at the Corps Day lunch and national reunion lunch. The Florence Nightingale Service at Westminster Abbey was attended by Gaynor Webster, who also went to Founder’s Day at Royal Hospital Chelsea.
The Branch chair and secretary were invited to attend a Festival of Military Music in Cardiff Bay. They were welcomed in the Pierhead Building by Brigadier AS Richmond OBE Commander 160th Infantry Brigade and Headquarters Wales. After a light lunch and refreshments, they moved to the oval basin where they enjoyed music from The Prince of Wales Division and the Band of The Royal Welsh. The Bugles of the 2nd Battalion The Royal Irish
Regiment were terrific. Finally, at sunset, guns were fired by the Troop 211 Battery 104th Regiment Royal Artillery to the 1812 Overture. The sun shone and we had a terrific afternoon.
At Branch level, Sally Foster hosted a wonderful afternoon tea in glorious sunshine at her home near Gloucester. Closure of the old Severn Bridge and traffic jams on the M4 tried to thwart members but everyone got there eventually! It was good to see new members attending their first event ,meeting new friends and discussing times past whilst eating a delicious tea. Money was raised from the event for Branch funds. Our thanks to Sally and family for a great afternoon.
In July, Marian Lewis, Branch treasurer, organised a Summer ramble on the edge of the Brecon Beacons. The more energetic folk walked the very overgrown, Old Roman Road up the Allt and were rewarded with stunning 360 degree views over the Usk Valley and surrounding countryside. Other
Afternoon tea hosted by Sally Foster in her home near Gloucester
Welsh Branch Summer ramble on the Allt, Brecon Beacons
members visited a beautiful walled garden at Treberfydd before both groups came together for a fantastic lunch in Talybont-on-Usk. The idea of the two levels of activity on the one trip was much appreciated, meaning more members were able to attend.
Preparations are in hand for lunch at Usk Castle in August and a canal boat trip in September.
Diana McCrea Vice Chair