Page 30 - QARANC Vol 18 No 1 2020

28 The Gazette QARANC Association
Aldershot Branch
Chairman: Patricia Gibson Secretary: Colodia Muzvidziwa
A very Happy New Year from the Aldershot Branch. We have had a very busy festive period with the ‘old and bold’, welcoming new members to the annual Christmas lunch, attending planned events throughout the year, from St James Palace for the celebration of the QARANC 70th Anniversary to lunch on the barge boats and the planning of events for 2020.
Two of our serving QARANC nurses took a visit to one of our local heroines, Nora Bryson who received the ARRC for her tireless commitment to the Corps working as Matron and in more recent years as a secretary for the branch. She still actively engages with the branch despite her decreased mobility. She is a very special lady to the branch, with a smile which could light the whole of Aldershot, and with a very special stories to match.
A look to 2020 will see numerous events being held, as soon as Spring arrives. If you would like to know more about the branch, please contact Lieutenant Colonel Patricia Gibson MBE via email: p.gibson352@bt8nternet.com.
Corporal Katie Linney
Corporal Linney, Nora Bryson ARRC, Corporal Evans
Chester Branch members enjoying lunch after their AGM
Chester Branch
In September the Chester Branch AGM and Autumn Lunch were held at the Hunters Lodge Hotel in Crewe. The AGM was held prior to a lovely lunch. We were looked after very well and everyone enjoyed themselves.
In December the Chester Branch Christmas Lunch was held at the Liner Hotel in Liverpool, and once again a good time was had by all.
On the weekend of 4 – 7 September 2020, Chester Branch is holding a reunion at The Queens Hotel in Llandudno, arranged through Isle of Wight Tours. The price includes either one, two, or three nights half board, en suite accommodation, meals, Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast and private gala dinner, Sunday breakfast and dinner, and Monday breakfast. There is an excursion on the Saturday for those who wish to go. You do not have to be a member of Chester branch to attend, and we welcome everyone. For further details please email veraworm@hotmail.co.uk
Vera Wormall, Chester Branch
Jurassic Coast Branch
Chair: Majorie Bandy Secretary: Pat McKay
Our branch AGM was held at the Sid Valley Country House Hotel in Sidbury, Devon on 19 October 2019. Twenty one QA’s and seven husbands attended. Three couples stayed at the hotel for the whole weekend which was fabulous. Whilst the QA’s were having their AGM the men watched the Rugby in a lounge of their own. We had a splendid lunch followed by a floristry demonstration by the hotel owner who also happens to be a judge at various prestigious floral shows. We were able to raffle off the four floral displays she made and with a combination of items the members brought to the raffle we raised £291.
On Sunday 3 November 2019 six members of the Jurassic
Coast Branch were at Weymouth Cemetery to lay a wreath on the grave of Assistant Nurse Hook QAIMNS who died 10 November 1918. The wreath was laid by Sue Shrimpton. After the solemnity of the wreath laying all attendees had lunch together in West Knighton. As well as laying the wreath honorary member Marie Walmsley planted poppy crosses at the Australian Anzac graves.
Confirmed future dates for 2020:
Corps Day: Sunday 19th April at St Andrews Church Preston, followed by lunch.
Jurassic Coast Branch Walking Holiday: 19 – 23 October 2020 staying at The Freshwater Bay Hotel on the Isle of Wight.
Branch AGM: 17 October at the Haven Hotel, Sandbanks, Poole.
Patsy May