Page 23 - QARANC Vol 17 No 1 2019

Welsh Branch
Proudly Carrying the Welsh Branch Standard
It was two weeks of remembrance, during which time I was proud to parade our QA Branch Standard on a number of occasions.
I have been lucky to have been welcomed into the ‘bosom’ of the Standard Bearers of the Royal British Legion, South East Wales. They are a great bunch of characters and have helped and advised me during the monthly training sessions that I have been invited to attend. There is a great sense of camaraderie and kindred spirit within the group.
On Saturday 3 November I was invited to join the Central Branch of the RBL to parade our Standard into St John the Baptist Church, Cardiff for the dedication of Garden of Remembrance. There was a short service, followed by planting of crosses in the church garden by members of different military corps and civilian organisations. Valmai Davies was proud to plant the QA cross on behalf of the Branch.
On the evening of Saturday 3 November, as in previous years, I paraded the Welsh Branch Standard for the annual Welsh Festival of Remembrance in St David’s Hall, Cardiff. About 30 Standards were paraded, many from the various RBL Branches, and also those from other military and civilian organisations. The first half of the performance with various choirs, led by the Royal Welsh Band, was amazing. The Act of Remembrance was extra special this year because for the first time three other Branch members, Caroline Whittaker, Marilyn Williams and Chrissie Owens-Galbraith marched on to the stage with the muster parade. It was a poignant moment.
THE GAZETTE QARANC 21
Joint Hospital Group North (JHG([N])
In the year the country celebrated the 100th anniversary of the end of WW1, JHG(N) gathered together to remember those that in service had paid the ultimate sacrifice. In true military tradition, the unit commemorated the occasion with a weekend of planned activities involving all ranks from across each of the three services.
Programmed activities began in remembrance of those who had served and done so with distinction, and for whom prestigious unit awards are now named after. A unit parade was held to mark the occasion of the inaugural presentation of both the Turner SNCO and Harden JNCO awards, selected on merit by the Commanding Officer. Awarded to the SNCO and JNCO that throughout the year epitomise clinical and military leadership, the deserving winners additionally were noted for having placed respective single- service ethos at the core of everything that they had been involved with. Recipients were Sergeant Sinclair
(Turner SNCO) and Corporal Peters, (Harden JNCO). Both now have the honour, amongst other benefits, of wearing the awarded brassard whilst in uniform. On completion of the unit parade, personnel then joined the remainder of RAF Leeming Station at a Service of Remembrance.
Thereafter, the focus switched to an evening of fun and relaxation with an all-ranks function that was held at a local golf and country club. Organised by Warrant Officer 1 Harkness, the night was a great success with only a few questionable dance moves in evidence. Everyone enjoyed the opportunity to come together and further reinforce the strong bond of camaraderie that exists within the unit.
Sunday, the main event, was organised by Warrant Officer 1 (RSM) Quigley and Sergeant Dale. The unit was bestowed the privilege of being able to host a bespoke Service of Remembrance at St Mary’s Church, Studley Royal (owned by English Heritage and managed on its behalf
by the National Trust). Now only in occasional use, St Mary’s is one of two churches built in the 1870s by the famous Victorian architect William Burges. His devotion to the early English Gothic style and love of inventive imagery through painting, sculpture and stained glass can be fully appreciated in the stunning surroundings of the Studley Royal Estate. This unique location was the perfect backdrop for the service conducted by the Reverend Anne Freestone.
Vera Hay, a veteran member of QAIMNS and a recipient of the Legion d’Honneur, was invited as the guest- of-honour. A moment to reflect on past events and actions, the service included the Collect for each service and corps represented on the day. After the service, a celebratory lunch was held at the Ripon Spa Hotel. A truly memorable day, everyone enjoyed the events and the tradition that the military uniquely provides on such occasions.
Captain K McArthur
Standard Bearers on parade, with Branch Standard bearer, Rosy Hubbard
This was my second attendance at the Blaenavon Festival of Remembrance, which took place on Saturday 10 November. Blaenavon is a small town in Monmouthshire with a huge community spirit. I felt an amazing sense of pride and belonging as I carried our Standard along with the four other Standards on parade. The performances in the first half of the concert were all by members of the town, the Youth Orchestra, and Blaenavon male and female choirs. Unlike the bigger Cardiff Festival where only the National and District RBL Standards were dipped for the Act of Homage and Royal Salute, here all five Standards were dipped; a very special moment.
On the 11 November I paraded our Standard at