Page 34 - QARANC Vol 19 No 2 2021

32 The Gazette QARANC Association
Scottish Branch
Chair: Karen J Irvine Secretary: Sheila A Jones
Can you believe that Scotland was recently declared the driest place in the UK?! I know, it’s not something I ever expected to read, but from someone used to the more common wet conditions in the west, it’s a welcome change, even if it is only temporary. I accept it may not please everyone, especially the keen gardeners amongst us, as many gardens are now beginning to look a bit parched. But I have to say it does lift the spirits to have a few weeks of cloudless skies and warm sunshine, especially after the cold and snow of winter, not to mention lockdown.
After the experience of 2020 there was no doubt that Corps Day 2021 would be an online affair, so we were delighted when the Reverend Dr Iain Barclay invited Scottish
“I never thought that I would ever be at two Corps Day Services on
Branch to be part of the
Palm Sunday Service at the
Robin Chapel in Edinburgh,
albeit remotely. Iain is the
Chaplain to the Robin
Chapel and is married to one day without Carilon, who is one of our
and friends at home. The day was still made special by the hospital staff, one of whom baked an emergency birthday cake, and Nita was able to view a specially recorded video of Captain
members. All our readers
recorded their contributions
at home and the technical
expertise of the Musical
Director ensured everything
came together seamlessly before being released for all to view on the Robin Chapel YouTube channel. Of course as there was no travel involved we were also able to join the national Corps Day Service from the Garrison Church in Aldershot. As one of our members commented, “I never thought that I would ever be at two Corps Day Services on one day without leaving the house!” Whilst it may have been an unforeseen benefit of the online life we have become accustomed to, I do hope we are able to come together in person to celebrate Corps Day in 2022.
The additional financial support provided by the Association allowed us to commission our own Branch Easter cards, which brought a bit of cheer to our members. One of our members, Janet Mantle, (known as Nita), celebrated her 100th birthday in April but unfortunately ended up spending her special day in hospital rather than celebrating the occasion with family
Catherine Pounder playing Happy Birthday on the bagpipes. Happily Nita is back at home and enjoying life to the full.
May 10 marked the birthday of the late Dame Margot Turner DBE RRC and our secretary Sheila Jones, was very proud to take part in the video of the Corps’ commemoration and celebration of her life. Dame Margot’s eulogy was read by three individuals representing Regular, Reserve and Retired personnel and hearing it read reminded us all that Dame Margot was a truly inspirational nurse and human being.
Following discussions with RHQ on increasing our use of social media, as of early June, the Scottish Branch has gone live on Instagram (@qa_association_ scottish_branch). It’s a bit of a learning experience for us at present but we will get better at it I’m sure.
Here in Scotland we have been a bit slower to ease COVID-19 restrictions
Easter Card sent to members of the Scottish branch
and whilst some of our members have been able to meet for coffee or lunch in small groups locally, as summer progresses we are holding on to the hope that we may be able to gather in slightly larger numbers for a Coffee Catch Up. A date that has remained in the diary is our Christmas l unch, due to be held in Edinburgh on Saturday 4 December, so let’s all hope it goes ahead this year.
Karen Irvine RRC Chair
leaving the house!”