Page 10 - QARANC Vol 20 No 3 2023

10 The Gazette QARANC Association
Col Commandant Kevin Davies:
‘Coronation will be momentous and memorable’
In our autumn Gazette we commemorated the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. It was sad, poignant and for so many a time to reflect. Many of us had known no other sovereign in our lifetime, but as we receive this Gazette, we will be nearing the occasion of the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III. The reports of plans as they evolve tell us that this will be a momentous and memorable event. I am sure our Corps will play a part wherever we find ourselves.
Huge congratulations to members of the Corps recognised in the New Year Honours list. The relevance of the RRC and ARRC it seems is reinforced at every iteration of Honours Lists and long may it be so. It emphasises the essential contribution of nurses and nursing. Something for us all to celebrate.
On one of her first engagements after the period of mourning, our Colonel in Chief visited a celebration of male nursing at the site of the former Netley Hospital. The event was the brainchild of our CNO(A) and with fine weather and fantastic company HRH The Countess of Wessex was able to meet many of the attendees and hear of innovations in nursing led by key members of the Corps.
Prior to leaving HRH planted a tree, signed the visitors book, and took the opportunity to chat to many of those assembled.
Two major changes in the RHQ were decided in late 2022.
Firstly, we selected a Colonel Commandant to succeed Colonel Carol Kefford OBE as she ends her term of office. Many congratulations to Colonel Carol on her OBE for her services to nursing leadership and innovation. So richly deserved and I know we will miss her leadership and sage advice. Her successor will be announced in April.
Secondly, we said goodbye to Colonel Alison Farmer ARRC following a distinguished career. We said a formal farewell at
a regimental dinner at the Merchant Adventurers Hall in York – a fantastic venue for a momentous occasion. Colonel Alison and I also had an audience
with our Colonel in Chief at her official residence Bagshot Park to mark the end of Colonel Alison’s tenure and the start of mine. We were able to brief HRH on a number of key issues pertinent to The Corps.
We wish Colonel Alison and Mark the very best for the future. We simultaneously welcomed Colonel Paul Jackson to his appointment as CNO (A) and wish him every success.
After a significant period away returning to the Royal Hospital
Prior to leaving HRH planted a tree, signed the visitors book, and took the opportunity to chat
to many
of those assembled
Chelsea for our Corps cocktail party was welcomed by everyone. It is simply a fantastic venue for us to engage, thank, influence, and socialise with friends and colleagues past and present. Long may it continue.
You may have heard of the Prince of Wales Nursing Cadet Scheme an initiative instigated by our now King to mark 70 years of the NHS and his 70th Birthday. It is a scheme facilitated by the RCN and engages young people for the ACF, CCF and St John across the UK. I visited one such cohort last year and the very tangible ambition, confidence and drive that involvement gives to these young people was not lost on me. It is now offered UK wide, and I would encourage all to support wherever possible. While named as a nursing scheme it encourages all health careers.
The second AMS Senior Leadership Forum was held in December. As with the first meeting we were fully represented and fully engaged with CNO(A) and both Cols Commandant in attendance. This meeting was followed the next day with the AMS Regimental Board where CNO(A) and Col Carol represented us. Being so closely involved is key for us as Project
Victoria evolves.
Finally, our reunion lunch
returns to London this year. We very much look forward to welcoming friends old and new be they serving or retired
and of course recognising the achievements of those who serve our association so selflessly.
Colonel Kevin Davies MBE, RRC, CStJ, TD, DL, PhD, MA, RN Colonel Commandant