Page 7 - QARANC Vol 15 No 2 2017
P. 7
THE GAZETTE QARANC 5
Defence Medical Group (South)
Portsmouth Corps Day
The Corp Day of DMG (S) was held at the Portsdown Christ Church, a beautiful church with a rich military history dating back to 1870. We discovered that the church was initially founded to cater for the spiritual needs of troops stationed in the surrounding forts which line Portsdown Hill. We were fortunate to be joined by members of the QA Association and our VIPs Col S Bush and the newly in post QARANC Regimental Secretary, Sue McAteer.
The service was conducted by Reverend Andrew Wilson who led us in hymns and gave his sermon, often relating back to military service and our values. The service was finished with a detailed history of the church and its influence within the area, especially during wartime. It was interesting to learn about the churches foundation and the military presence in the church during these difficult times. I felt fortunate to be seated in the church after all that had happened throughout the years.
Once the service had finished we walked to the military cemetery located at the back of the church where the
act of remembrance was held beside Staff Nurse Bridget Donovan’s resting place, a loved and popular member of the Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service. A wreath was laid and a minute’s silence followed as we paid our respects to our Corps and Staff Nurse Donovan. Reverend Andrew Wilson finished the service with some kind words for our service and we headed back inside the church for refreshments.
A cake was made and decorated by Maj Stansfield with the Corps insignia and was cut by Col S Bush. A buffet lunch was enjoyed by all before the unit headed to Fort Blockhouse for an afternoon of fun games and activities (fancy dress was encouraged!). To finish off the afternoon activities a quiz was held with a wide range of questions from sports to Corps knowledge. Prizes for best dressed and winners of the activities were given out then the day drew to a close and we headed back home.
Pte Gray QARANC
