Page 13 - QARANC Vol 20 No 2 2022

QA’s best qualities praised at Corps Day service in Chelsea
QARANC Corps Day was celebrated at The Royal Hospital Chelsea on Sunday 27 March, which also happened to Mothering Sunday.
This meant that the service at the stunning Wren Chapel drew inevitable comparisons between mothers and the qualities nurses are associated with – a point
made by Chaplain Paul Cowley in his address.
He said: “The attributes
that mothers are revered
for are many of the same
that nurses exhibit daily
with their patients: caring, compassion, kindness,
warmth, selfless dedication,
humour in the face of frustration, a round-the clock work ethic coupled with a fearless protection of their patients.”
The worship, led by celebrated the service given by QAs on numerous battlefronts and in peacetime. The terrible ongoing conflict in Ukraine was
also uppermost in the minds of those gathered. There were many uplifting moments: from the glorious choir in full song, to a personal and emotional milestone for QA, Terri Pitts, who chose the occasion to be baptised.
The service was live streamed and is
The attributes that mothers are revered for are many of the same that nurses exhibit daily with their patients
still available to view via the Association website.
After the service all guests posed for photos and moved indoors to the State Apartments for a buffet reception and a chance to catch up with old friends and colleagues.
There they were addressed by Col Carol Kefford (Colonel Commandant) who paid
tribute to QAs and branches attending and remarked that it was unusual for Corps Day to fall on a Sunday when it is traditionally celebrated.
Steve Bax