Page 46 - QARANC Vol 18 No 2 2020

44 The Gazette QARANC Association
West Country Branch
Chair: Sue James Secretary: Mo Holman
Spring / Summer 2020 have certainly been ‘unprecedented’ for all of us. Our usual gatherings have been put on hold as we have all been living and working in very different ways. Two of our working members Vanessa Crossley and Sara Hawkins have provided some fascinating insights into their work in the NHS and higher education which have been published separately in this edition of the Gazette.
As a Branch we have been keeping in touch with members and RHQ and like the rest of the world we have woken up to the benefits of Zoom. At the time of writing we have had two Zoom meetings and been delighted to catch up with old colleagues and friends. Newsletters also help us keep in touch, especially with members who do not use IT or social media. We are hoping to be able to meet up for our AGM in October, but at the time of writing we are also prepared to use Zoom if necessary.
A couple of our members have also provided us with an insight into how they have been gainfully employed during ‘lockdown’.
Welsh
Branch
Chair: Caroline Whittaker Secretary: Rosy Hubbard
Despite the unprecedented events of the past few months Welsh Branch Committee have been busy keeping in contact with all their members. Unfortunately all events for this year had to be cancelled due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, but thanks to modern technology we have continued to socialise.
Whilst some have found using the likes of Zoom a bit of a challenge, it has been a great way to hold a virtual drinks party! This has been done several times and appreciated by those who have logged on. It is hoped that we will hold a virtual AGM using this technology. No
Pang with her supply of masks
Jackie Kelly has written to say that because of work commitments she is unable to attend branch meetings, but enjoys hearing what is happening locally and within the association. During ‘lockdown’ Jackie has been working in the NHS at Musgrove Park Hospital as a Ward Receptionist on a busy Head and Neck Ward. Jackie reports: ‘I sing with Taunton Military Wives Choir, obviously we haven’t been able to do any performances or rehearse in the usual way. We now rehearse at our usual time via ‘Zoom’; we have also enjoyed quiz and bingo nights which involved lots of laughter, fantastic for keeping up our spirits. I have always
member has been forgotten. Phone callshavebeenmadetoallmembers or if necessary e-mails sent so that everyone is aware that the Association is there to support them if required.
Thanks to the generosity of HQ all of our retired members have received a gift from the Branch.
Despite being unable to meet up in person for various national events branch members have celebrated or remembered in their own way with a message to all members on International Nurses Day. For VE Day, members took out their bunting and flags with many dining alfresco whilst celebrating. Our Chair led from the front when she organised a socially distanced street party and drove a vintage a tractor!
Many of our members are continuing to work during this challenging period in various roles, whilst others continue
Jackie Kelly with her craft work
found knitting relaxing so I have been knitting pairs of hearts for Covid-19 patients and their next of kin. I also knitted a heart for each of our choir members. Just a little way of keeping us all connected during these strange times’.
Pang Adams is always a very active member of our Branch. She has been putting her sewing skills to good use and has sewn nearly 100 cloth face masks including one in Corps colours. They have been given to friends and family. Unable to celebrate Corps day with her QA family Pang celebrated in lockdown at home flying the QA flag from her home flag pole.
to shield. Some are fortunate in having gardens to occupy themselves, tending to plants or just watching wildlife, others have been doing a bit of furniture restoration. Some are using the time to keep in contact and checking up on elderly or vulnerable neighbours. Lockdown does not mean that we have to be inactive, even if we are unable get to our regular exercise class!
The branch is continuing to keep in touch with regular newsletters which include updated information from Public Health Wales. As we slowly emerge from lockdown and look to the future, the committee will be planning next year’s events. Our first meet up is due for our Christmas lunch in December.
Diana McCrea (nee Craigie) Vice chair