Page 42 - QARANC Vol 16 No 2 2018

40 QARANC THE GAZETTE
The Welsh Branch
Chairman: Lieutenant Colonel Caroline Whittaker RRC TD Secretary: Major (Retd) Rosy Hubbard TD
The Welsh Branch 50th Anniversary Celebration
On 15 July 2018 the Welsh Branch of the QA Association celebrated the 50th anniversary of its inception.
History of The Welsh Branch
The inaugural meeting of the Welsh Branch of the QARANC Association was held on 20 April 1968 at Ty Maeth, the home of the Royal College of Nursing, Wales. There were 14 members present, including Joan Willis who served as both Chairman and Secretary, and Margaret White who is still a member to this day. Mary Bond, who was also at that first meeting, was one of the first nursing sisters to go into Bergen-Belsen following liberation in 1945. She wrote a book of her experiences called ‘From the Midnight Sun to Belsen’. It was at this inaugural meeting that Colonel John Martel Hughes, the then Commanding Officer of 203 (Welsh) General Hospital, offered the premises of the TA Centre, at Llandaff North, for future meetings. After a lapse of many years this camaraderie was reinstated by Colonel Phil Hubbard when he became CO of 203 (Welsh) Field Hospital in 2004.
The Branch Today
From that little band of 14, the Branch has now increased to 75 members, which includes three ladies who served in the Second World War, aged 100, 98 and 96. Other members who have recently died include Vera Vaughan, aged 105, who wrote an article on her ‘Wartime Experiences’ and Vera Jones who wrote a book recording her impressions and travels during World War 2, contained in letters sent home from the East. Mary Read, one of our past members, was instrumental in securing and restoring the wonderful painting of Mametz Ward, which now hangs in the entrance hall of Robertson House (Former Army Staff College), Camberley.
The Anniversary Day
The day of the celebration arrived, and despite varying weather reports, the sun shone beautifully. We were extremely lucky to have as our venue the spectacular and historical Usk Castle. The Branch gazebo had been erected at the castle entrance and visitors were welcomed with a glass of prosecco and a memorial brochure. Amongst our honoured guests were Colonel Commandant Carol Kefford and the
Welsh Branch 50th Anniversary cake
Members: Maureen Morrison, Karen Todd, Heather Duncombe, Marian Lewis, Colonel Tim Davies, CO 203 Fd Hosp and Mrs Davies, Honorary Member Colonel Phil Hubbard (standing from left)
Peter Kefford, Henry and Rosie Humphreys (owners of Usk Castle), Sue McAteer, Lieutenant Colonel Caroline Whittaker
Lord Lieutenant of Mid Glamorgan, Dame Kate Thomas DCVO. An amble around the castle grounds showed the many colourful flowers and shrubs and magnificent views over the surrounding Welsh countryside.
The Welsh Branch and friends worked together to provide a wonderful buffet lunch, enjoyed in a marquee in the castle grounds. The day was made even more memorable with music from the Llanelli Royal British Legion Band, culminating in the rendition of the QARANC Corps March, followed by the cutting of the anniversary cake that had been made so perfectly by a friend of one of the branch members. We also had local press coverage in the form of a reporter from the Monmouthshire Beacon. There was an article on the event printed in the following week’s edition. It was a wonderful and memorable day, enjoyed by everyone.
Major (Retd) Rosy Hubbard Secretary Welsh Branch
Members: (Standing from left), Lieutenant Colonel Whittaker, Chrissie Owens, Ann Evans, Rosy Hubbard, Phil Hubbard, Marilyn Williams, Valmai Davies; Sitting from L, Ann Thomas, Dame Kate Thomas, Jacqui Wilding