Page 5 - QARANC Vol 20 No 2 2022

‘A warm welcome in Cardiff despite the cathartic cold shower’
We live in interesting times... having, hopefully, weathered the pandemic we are now being deeply affected by the conflict in Ukraine.
Our investments, which ironically remained stable during the pandemic, and, indeed, increased in value, have since taken a major tumble due to the global aftermath of Covid and now the conflict in the East.
Members will also be acutely aware of these global factors as they contend with the soaring cost of fuel, utility bills and food. The Board of Trustees (BoT) considered how we can help – which the result that it was unanimously agreed that we will support those receiving Annual Maintenance Grants with an immediate one-off payment of £200. We will review the situation again in October, when we will have a better understanding of where this crisis is going and what assistance may be received from the government.
On to more joyous matters! I shall not steal another’s thunder, but I thought the reunion an excellent occasion, the venue was impressive. It is the first time I have stayed in a hotel that did not have a telephone in the room – or was that just me? – my en-suite was
different. I can only describe the sink as half a boulder, very arty and made a mental note not to slip and fall on that. The bath was a jacuzzi, I am of an age and physicality that if I could get into a bath, I would have great difficulty getting out!
I managed to get the shower to work but the hot water defeated me... so my reunion weekend began with the cathartic experience of a very lukewarm shower, followed by a hearty breakfast. It was pleasing to meet and lunch with so many of you.
The work of the Media, Comms and Membership group is bearing fruit. Our membership continues to grow, and at the time of writing we have an excellent 1,230 retired, 747 regular and 69 reserve members – one of our new members has joined at the age of ninety-three! This proves it’s never too late to join.
We welcome two new trustees, Dee Radford and the new Representative Sgt Major WO1 D Hamilton. I’m also delighted to report that Col Cmdt Carol Kefford has confirmed her intension to extend her time in post for another year – to June 2023.
We have a new post, Curator of the Association Chattels. The post is held
by Keiron Spires, well known to us and we will value his experienced hands-on approach.
Unfortunately, Sarah Young has left our central team in RHQ, and we are in the process of advertising for a replacement...Sarah set a high bar.
I would at this point like to reinforce the words of the General Secretary and thank all of those retiring from committee posts in the Branches. We appreciate and applaud your service and welcome to those taking up posts within the Branches. The BoT do think of you and value your input.
During these difficult times please keep an eye out for ‘ours in need.’
Regards to you all.
John DF Quinn Chair
The Gazette QARANC Association 5
Capturing the ‘buzz’ that’s around the Association
Welcome to another edition of The Gazette and my second as Editor. I continue to be inspired by the amazing work you do; from setting up temporary hospitals overseas and climbing mountains, to saving lives (on as well as off duty, see our article on p7 about the nurse who performed CPR on a neighbour’s child) and the many acts of kindness and friendship that the organisation is known for. I hope we’ve been able to capture a sense of that ‘buzz’ and activity in this latest edition.
I’ve also had the pleasure of attending QA events, such as the Corps Day Service at the Royal Chelsea Hospital (such a great experience) and to meet as many of you as possible at the Reunion Lunch in Cardiff Bay. You can see photos and read a write-up of both occasions in this edition. It was lovely to hear people’s personal stories of how they got into nursing and things they’ve done in their
careers, and I came away with a deeper understanding of the Association, and some ideas for future articles.
Speaking of which, please continue to send your reports of Branch events, training exercises, challenges, sporting tournaments, retirees, obituaries and the like; I want the Gazette to reflect your accomplishments and the good work you do. I’m also interested in your views about any aspects of nursing or the Association for our letters and postcards section in the next edition.
You’ll notice a different style of cover this time. We’re experimenting with a more ‘magazine’ look, and for the next edition we are looking at other paper types to find something more recyclable. And (whisper it gently) we’re considering a small number of relevant adverts to generate income for the Association. I’m interested to hear your thoughts on how you want future editions to evolve.
Back to this edition. If you’ve wondered what the Chief Nursing Officer does or what it was like steering the organisation during the pandemic, check out our interview with Col Alison Farmer on p14. Plus, we’ve got photos and words from the 75th anniversary event at the National Memorial Arboretum on p8, reports from our Branches and correspondents and more besides. I hope you enjoy the edition.
Steve Bax
Gazette Editor (gazette@ qarancassociation.org.uk)