Page 5 - QARANC Vol 16 No 1 2018

Chairman’s Report
I was taken by surprise to be asked for my contribution to the Gazette only five minutes after writing for the last edition. It wasn’t five minutes of course but a full six months that had just flown by. I am grateful to Alison Spires for agreeing to take on the editorship this time and delighted with the result of her hard work. In addition to nudging me into action over my rather late submission, Alison has been highly organised, efficient and paid close attention to the detail – all very important qualities when putting this together. It is never as straightforward as it maybe looks!
I was delighted to learn that Col Alison McCourt OBE ARRC was to be appointed as Chief Nursing Officer (Army) and therefore the President of the QARANC Association. Col Alison will have been in post for several months when this is published and I have no doubt already making her mark. I have known Col Alison for many years and she will not only be a superb leader for the Corps but a great advocate for, and support to, The Association. I am very much enjoying working with her again.
Now, a quick look at what has been happening over recent months. We were once again well represented at the Field of Remembrance and the Cenotaph Parade, both so important to us, but this year we were extremely honoured to be invited by the Royal British Legion to the Festival of
Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall. Our Standard was borne by Edith Edgar from our Aldershot Branch who carried it all off with aplomb when I can only imagine the potential trip hazards of so many people, so many standards and such a small space to move around in.
You will read about the Inter-Nursing Services Tennis tournament which was won by the QARANC with Pte Tevin Gama victorious in the men’s singles, and Capt Bella Scott and LCpl Middlemiss worthy winners of the women’s doubles, all sponsored by the QARANC Association. The QARANC participated once again in the Countess of Wessex Cup and our thanks go to Col Jane Davis OBE QVRM TD DL for all the work she did to make sure that the event went well for our competitors.
By the time this is published we will have enjoyed our annual reunion. We faced a small challenge when HRH Prince Harry announced the date of his wedding and realised we had a clash. Our General Secretary, Sue McAteer, sensibly canvassed opinion and overwhelmingly members opted to change the date. We were fortunate that the Victory Services Club were willing to accommodate the move and so many thanks to Sue for then unpicking and re-stitching all the arrangements. The clash with the FA Cup Final we could have handled, but
we knew when we were beaten!
I hope you have received your First Day Cover in honour of The Association’s 70th Anniversary but if not, there is another chance to place an
order for additional unsigned copies. Although I am still new to this role I have seen enough to be impressed by, and very grateful to, our Trustees. Col John Quinn as Vice President has helped to keep me on the straight and narrow, but I am learning more all the time about our Trustees’ wholehearted commitment and the real difference that they make to all that the Association is. Serving and retired alike, the Association is in good hands. Finally, as you read this Gazette, the sheer range and scale of activities our officers and soldiers are involved in, both at home and overseas, shines through. Always impressive and always something to be very proud of. I’m sure
that you will enjoy reading it.
Carol Kefford
Colonel Commandant Chair QARANC Association
THE GAZETTE QARANC 3
QARANC Association Board of Trustees - Vacancies
Applications are invited from interested members of the QARANC Association to serve on the Board of Trustees (The Board). The initial appointment is for three years, and this may be extended annually by invitation for a further three years. Trustee appointments are unpaid, but travel and other expenses may be claimed. Trustees are expected to take an active role in Association matters.
The Board meets four times a year at Robertson House in Camberley. Each Trustee also serves on one of four subcommittees that advises on, and may carry out, an aspect of the work of the Association. All subcommittees report to the Board of Trustees.
Media and Communications; this subcommittee meets as required between Board meetings and oversees the website, social media and production of the Gazette. Members of this committee need relevant knowledge.
Membership and Marketing; this subcommittee meets as required between Board meetings. Marketing experience is not required, but is helpful, as is a willingness to support the General Secretary on membership matters.
Heritage and Chattels; this subcommittee meets as required between Board meetings and focuses on heritage and Corps history as well as working with the chattels member to manage and care for Corps/Association chattels. Members of this subcommittee are drawn from across the Association membership as well as from the Trustees and an interest in Corps history is required.
Finance and Grants: this subcommittee meets monthly to review and make decisions on grant applications and requests for benevolence. Trustees also deal with urgent benevolence cases by telephone and/or email. Relevant caseworker or charity sector experience is helpful.
There are two vacancies arising this year. If you have time to spare, want to take an active part in the Association’s business and wish to make a difference, please apply to the General Secretary at RHQ (address on page 1). Applications should consist of a CV, and a covering letter outlining any relevant skills and experience that you would be able to offer. All applicants must be full members of the QARANC Association.