Page 45 - QARANC Vol 18 No 2 2020

walk to the Edith Cavell Memorial, where following a few words and a prayer by the Reverend Fiona, Major (Retd) Fiona Grist laid a wreath on behalf of the Branch. Another short walk and we were all back at the hotel for lunch, much in need of a warming drink to combat the effects of the cold wintry sunshine.
Shortly thereafter, lockdown restrictions were introduced and like every other organisation we started the job of postponing or cancelling all our planned events. Our 70th Anniversary lunch, due on 15th May, was the first casualty, but all being well, we hope instead to be able to celebrate our 71st Anniversary on 14th May 2021.
Throughout lockdown we have kept in touch with our members by phone, email and good old fashioned snail mail and, like many others we have contributed to the ‘Zoom boom’ for our committee meetings and Coffee Catch Ups.
These have proved to be a great success in bringing together our members from across Scotland and beyond. We’ve even been joined by Jeff Lubbock in New Zealand, although as he is 11 hours ahead he can sample a glass of wine whilst we nurse our coffee! That said, as restrictions ease everyone is looking forward to the day when we can actually meet up in person and have coffee in different surroundings; you do get a bit bored of the same four walls after a while.
We have been well supported throughout by our RHQ team of Sue, Sarah and Alison who have definitely kept the show on the road despite working remotely. I’m sure I’m not alone in hoping to continue with the regular Zoom meetings, it’s been a great way of strengthening the relationship between the Branches, RHQ and the Association Chair and Trustees. The additional financial support provided by the Association
has been very welcome and allowed us to provide a bit of extra cheer and boost morale over the past few months. So far it has been used to produce and send cards, flowers and plants, as well as an extra special treat of specially commissioned handmade chocolates for all our members, tied with QA ribbon no less. Sadly Jeff had to miss out on the chocolates due to the strict biosecurity requirements in New Zealand.
At the moment our AGM is due to be held in Glasgow on Saturday 3rd October, but depending on the situation we may well opt for a Zoom AGM, but we are hopeful that, circumstances permitting, we’ll be able to enjoy our Christmas lunch in Edinburgh on Saturday 5th December.
Karen Irvine Chair
Major (Retd) Fiona Grist laying a wreath at the Cavell Memorial in Edith Cavell Gardens, Inverness
The Gazette QARANC Association
43
BRANCH NEWS