Page 24 - QARANC The Gazette Spring 2023

24 The Gazette QARANC Association
ALDERSHOT BRANCH
Christmas get together
Festive spirit was in full flow at the Aldershot branch’s Annual Christmas Lunch in December, which had more than 30 people attending.
We were again joined by members of the Royal Army Medical Corps Aldershot Association, some of whom are married to our QAs or have worked with us over the years. The event was a great opportunity for everyone to get reacquainted with old friends and colleagues and catch up with their news.
Our venue was the Army Golf Club in Aldershot, whose friendly staff did us a fine lunch and were very helpful. A lovely selection of gifts was donated for our raffle, which was well supported, and some were lucky enough to win more than once.
A big thank you to our secretary, Rhon, and her husband Simon for selling the tickets and thank you to the ticket folders (you know who you are.) Here’s to a great year ahead and some more fabulous functions.
Pat Gibson, Chair of the Aldershot Branch
A lovely selection of gifts was donated for our raffle, which
was well supported, and some were lucky enough to win more than once
WELSH BRANCH
Christmas
event was
ample display
of friendship
Our Christmas lunch was held at Morlais Golf Club Merthyr Tydfil in early December with 33 members and guests attending.
All were welcomed with a glass of sparkling wine, and it was lovely to hear old friends catching up and getting to know new friends.
Our chair gave an opening speech pre-lunch, informing us of our success in gaining new members (total membership is now 76). She mentioned our successful activities that had taken place over the year including lunch at Usk Castle, walking with Llamas and a visit to Nantgarw China works.
A minute’s silence was held to remember Cathy Symons and Beryl Melvin who had died during this past year.
Grace was then said both in Welsh and English. Prior to the food being served the crackers provided us with many laughs, as usual the jokes left something to behold.
The food was tasty and plentiful. Staff were so helpful putting on food requests etc. which helped to make the meal such a success.
During the meal the room echoed with laughter and chattering. The obligatory raffle was held with enjoyment and cheering at the winners, whilst making money for the Branch. All too soon it was time to go home. Nonetheless the Corps philosophy of friendship was amply demonstrated during the afternoon.
Vera Hay: correction
In the Autumn 2022 Gazette, p27, we mentioned that Vera Hay, aged 100, who served in World War Two and was awarded the Legion of d'honneur, trained at St Mary Abbots hospital Kensington but in fact she trained at Hammersmith Hospital Du-Cain road. We also stated that she had retired from service to marry and start a family. In fact Vera continued post marriage and retired later. We are happy to correct the record.