Page 31 - QARANC Vol 18 No 1 2020

Midland Branch
Chair: Clare Dutton Secretary: Collette Froggatt
Last year saw major changes in our branch; the committee reviewed several venues and following negotiations we moved to Glenart Castle Mess, Longbridge, Birmingham, for both committee and branch meetings, although this has not been entirely successful, so is still under review. Our AGM was held at Glenart Castle Mess on 5 and October 2019, during the meeting members of our committee stood down – Chair Sue Reading, Vice Chair Peggy Britton, and treasurer Yvonne Whittington-Thick. Peggy, Yvonne and our recently retired secretary Pauline Gretton were thanked for their long service, and were presented with flowers and a gift from the Branch and myself. The committee membership changed with Lieutenant Colonel Clare Dutton elected as chair, Sue Reading as vice-chair to support Clare in her first year, and Liz Keenan as Treasurer. Liz Keenan was congratulated on becoming a Trustee and thanked for her continued support as branch standard bearer.
Members enjoyed the 70Th Anniversary Corps Day Celebrations at the National Memorial Arboretum near Lichfield, wonderfully organised by RCDM, with a very poignant and moving Twilight Service, followed by a delicious meal.
Collette and I attended the Chairs and Secretaries Meeting in May, joined by several branch members for the Annual QA Association reunion.
Clare and I together with Phillip SaundersandUrsulaCowellhadthe privilege and honour of attending the 70th Anniversary Celebrations at St James’ Palace hosted by our Colonel in Chief HRH the Countess of Wessex. In her welcome address she joked that she had had a wardrobe malfunction as she was wearing a silk shirtdress but in camouflage colours! The nibbles were delicious and varied and the Champagne flowed freely. We were well looked after by the staff and a lovely memorable evening was enjoyed by all.
The Branch was invited to Join RCDM’s Remembrance Service held in the Outpatient Department at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. RSM Zoe Clarke and her team did a wonderful job.
Our Christmas celebration was
held on 5 December with members, spouses, partners and members of RCDM at the Greswolde Arms, Knowle, and we had a great time. Thanks for the many contributions; the raffle and guess the number of sweets in the jar raised about £160.00
Lieutenant Colonel Clare Dutton and I represented the Midland Branch at the funeral of the late Major Huw “Taff” Jones ARRC, held at St Luke’s Church, Hodnet. The Church was packed with standing room only, senior members of the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force, family, and friends. The service had been planned by Taff which was very moving and very Taff. Rest in Peace.
2020 is the 70th Anniversary of the formation of the Midland Branch, we have various plans in the pipeline to celebrate but are awaiting confirmation of venues.
Sue Reading Vice Chair
The Gazette QARANC Association
Midland Branch Christmas celebration at the Greswolde Arms
Dates for your Diaries
7 March 2020
27 March 2020 29 March 2020
24 April 2020 25 April 2020 20 June 2020
Spring Meeting with a speaker from SAAFA, more information to follow
Corps Day, details to be notified
National Corps Day at Royal Hospital Chelsea, very limited places
Branch Chairs and Secretaries meeting in Leeds. Annual Reunion at the Royal Armouries Leeds. Midland Branch 70th Anniversary, details to be Notified
29
BRANCH NEWS