Page 25 - QARANC Vol 20 No 2 2022

The Gazette QARANC Association 25
The day dawned bright and a little breezy in Cardiff as members of the QARANC Association both serving and retired, made their way to The Coal Exchange Hotel by Cardiff Bay to get together in this 75th year since the formation of the Association.
This Victorian building is situated close to Cardiff Bay and has played a significant part in the history of the city. It is famed for being the venue at which the first cheque for a million pounds was written, sadly, we were not to see history repeating itself.
Members gathered in abundance in the reception area, sipping daintily on prosecco as they met up with old friends and admired the stunning architecture and décor of this beautiful old building. Everyone then moved into the magnificent hall where the event was to take place and as we entered, we were serenaded by the band of the Royal British Legion Llanelli, who continued to entertain us throughout the day.
The meeting commenced with a Corps update from the Chief Nursing Officer (Army), Col. Alison Farmer, her last presentation to us in this role prior to her stepping down. This was followed by a report from the General Secretary Mrs Sue McAteer and an update from the Colonel Commandant Colonel Carol Kefford.
The formal part of the meeting was completed by a presentation from Colonel Kevin Davies and the announcement of the 2022 Association medal winner, with congratulations
going to Joan Thomson this year. Before breaking for lunch, a very special guest was introduced to those present – Vera Hay trained as a nurse during the second World War and became a member of the QAIMNS and today, she was celebrating her 100th birthday. Vera shared some of her experiences with us and was presented with a gift from the Association both to mark the occasion and to acknowledge the part that she played in the history
of our Corps.
Lunch was served soon afterwards
and was well received – the food was delicious and although the hotel had
Medal win for Joan Thompson of Northern Ireland Branch
I had the privilege to see our esteemed member Joan Thompson receive the 2021 QARANC Association Medal at the Association lunch. Joan was Matron of 204 Field Hospital when I joined the Reserves in 1984 and has always been at the forefront of all things QA since. Congratulations Ma’am.
Nuala Green, NI Branch