Page 39 - QARANC Vol 15 No 2 2017

South Downs Branch
National Corps Day 2017
70th Anniversary – Oh, What A Perfect day!
Oh, what a perfect day! I am glad that I spent it with good friends, former colleagues and all of those past and present members in celebrating Corps Day on Saturday 25 March 2017 in Aldershot. The church service was officiated by Father John Harvey, and attended by over 200 serving and retired Corps members at the Royal Garrison Church of All Saints.
The weather for the day could not have been more perfect with glorious sunshine plus having a reception at the Royal Pavilion, the site of the former QARANC Training Centre, was just the icing on the cake! The new premises are worlds apart from the old centre, having been demolished in 1998 and replaced with four glass towers which is now a huge computer science complex and office campus. The former foundation stone and steps, now planted with 10,000 French lavender
Project team with Maj Dottie Calderwood
plants, make an impressive entrance to the new look Royal Pavilion.
To be back at the Royal Pavilion was a truly amazing opportunity not to be missed by many of us that went through those gates. Many memories came flooding back of the times served or attended on promotion courses. We were delighted to find that the old stomping ground with the rhododendrons and its grounds were looking just as magnificent and splendid and we were heartened to hear that the new owners take as much pride in ensuring that they are well and truly looked after.
Some of the ‘old and bold’ had the opportunity to form up alongside the much younger uniformed service personnel and marched ahead of them up the driveway. This was indeed a feat as some wore high heels. Despite many years of not marching, they marched without putting a foot wrong or getting out of
Past & Present Friends
step. So well impressed were those waiting at the top of the driveway that a round of applause was given. Col Karen Irvine, Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), was there to take the salute with retired WO1 (RSM) Pat Frazer ARRC holding the National Standard.
The reception was hosted by the current owners of the Royal Pavilion. We were greeted with a glass of prosecco followed by a high quality food buffet which was topped with 200 cup cakes bearing the Association crest. All this contributed to an extremely successful afternoon and more wonderful memories of our day with friends and former colleagues back at the Royal Pavilion. It was indeed a perfect day.
Maj (Retd) Dottie Calderwood South Downs Branch
March Past 2017
THE GAZETTE QARANC
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BRANCH NEWS