Page 46 - QARANC Vol 20 No 3 2023

46 The Gazette QARANC Association
CHESTER BRANCH
‘Fun was had
despite the
3am fire alarm’
Last year Chester Branch’s sixth reunion eventually took place despite setbacks with Covid and two changes of tour operators.
Our weekend event in Manchester allowed members to meet and enjoy the local attractions before coming together for a Gala Dinner on the Saturday evening and church service on Sunday morning.
The occasion was not without its moments. For example, we will not forget the port for the Loyal Toast being served in Champagne flutes, or the 3am fire alarm. However, fun was had, and we danced the night away.
In November the Branch took part in the remembrance service at Chester Cathedral where a wreath was laid on our behalf by Mrs Meg Fish.
Christmas lunch was at our usual venue, The Queen’s Hotel opposite Chester Station, with 48 in attendance. It was another enjoyable event and the
start of the festive season for many of our members. We are now looking forward to 2023 and planning our Corps Day with a church service in Tarvin followed by lunch in the local community centre. In May we hope to have a trip to Shrewsbury with a sail
on the river and afternoon tea.
Chester Branch continues to thrive – we now have
124 members. We are starting to see members willing to travel and wanting to return to events and meeting with friends old and new and enjoying fellowship.
Lynn Orfanelli, Secretary
Songs from lockdown concert honours key workers
The Belfast Mixtape – Songs from Lockdown was a concert on 25 August 2022 to mark the occasion of frontline workers receiving the Freedom of the City of Belfast.
Several 204 Field Hospital members were invited and honoured to be part of the event which was hosted by the BBC Radio Ulster’s Connor Philips at the Waterfront Hall.
The Ulster Orchestra and artists such as Foy Vance, Brooke Scullion and Saint Sister came
together as the Freedom of the City was bestowed upon the key workers for their hard work and dedication during the pandemic.
Nurses, social workers, professionals allied to medicine, postal and transport workers shared their personal testimonies illustrating how music was a big part of their lives and so important to them during lockdown. This brought a sense of reality and pride to the fully packed auditorium.
Our musical highlights included Ryan McMullan performing his song ‘Belfast City’ with the Ulster Orchestra and a new arrangement of the David Holmes’ remix of the classic ‘Belfast’ by Orbital. The Open Arts Community Choir joined with the NHS Here4U Choir, and JC Stewart covered Elbow’s iconic ‘One Day Like This.’
Dignitaries from the Department of Health attended, along with 204’s Honorary Colonel Martin Bradley. The event was aired on TV on 25 September and can be found on BBC iPlayer or on catch up BBC Radio Ulster.
Major Jo Tams Gregg
204 North Irish Field Hospital Belfast