Page 48 - QARANC Vol 20 No 4 2023

48 The Gazette QARANC Association
JURASSIC COAST BRANCH
‘Memories of Corps Day services in tents and fields’
Our Corps Day service this year was a little different as it was held in a church hall in Preston, Weymouth. The church was having work done.
This brought back lots of memories and created much discussion about where Corps Day services were held whilst serving, for example in tents and fields. The service led by Rev James Menzies, with organist John Tallon, attracted 41 attendees.
Tina Maddens read from the Bible and we had the pleasure of being joined by Alison Roberts from HQ and her husband. A retiring collection of £178 was sent to the QAA.
The service was followed by lunch on Portland at the Admiralty Hotel, formally the Admiralty Underwater Weapons Establishment, and infamous as the home of the Portland spy ring. A film has been made about the Portland spy ring entitled Ring of Spies, and tells the story of Ethel G, Harry Horton and Gordon Lonsdale.
Marjorie Bandy, Chair welcomed everyone, and a toast was made to King Charles III and the Duchess of Edinburgh.
On the day of the Coronation, Marjorie Bandy hosted afternoon tea for Pat Mckay, Sue Shrimpton, her father John, and husband Richard.
A very enjoyable branch outing in June was made to Sculpture by the Lakes near Dorchester which was well attended. Following a delicious lunch, we had time to explore the extensive site.
Finally, we lay two wreaths every year now. Sue Alun-Jones is photographed laying a wreath on our behalf on the grave of Katie Bolgar QAIMNS, at Sutton Veny, Wiltshire.
Sue Shrimpton, Committee Member
A toast was made to King Charles III and the Duchess of Edinburgh