Page 39 - QARANC Vol 17 No 1 2019

Chester Branch
Chair: Jill Mackeen Secretary: Lynn Orfanelli
In September we held the Chester branch reunion at The Tillington Hall Hotel, Stafford. On the Friday evening prior to the start of the weekend, we held our AGM, followed by a meal in the evening. At the meal some of us wore pink wigs in memory of Liz Ashworth, who had helped to organise the weekend, but sadly died. On the Saturday morning some of the group went to visit the Black Country Living Museum in Dudley, and although the weather was somewhat wet, we all enjoyed the trip. On the Saturday evening a dinner was held with entertainment, and we all had an enjoyable evening time. On Sunday morning we went to The National Arboretum for some remembrance time in the chapel at 1100. Afterwards some people went on a tour of The Arboretum, whilst others went home. On Sunday evening those of us remaining had dinner and socialised. The weekend was organised by Isle of Wight Tours.
Future Events
Annual General Meeting on 19 September 2019, venue to be confirmed
Christmas Lunch on 7 December 2019, venue to be confirmed
Branch Reunion 4-7 September 2020
The Chester Branch QARANC Association Reunion Weekend 2020.
The Chester Branch of the Association is holding a reunion weekend 4-7 September 2020 at The Queen’s Hotel, The Promenade, Llandudno LL30 2LE, to
Pink wigs in memory of Liz Ashworth at Chester Branch reunion!
which we cordially invite all members of the QARANC Association. The weekend is designed to bring together old friends and for us to make new ones. It is also a great opportunity for us to reminisce and catch up with each other.
A gala dinner will be held on Saturday 5 September and on Sunday 6 September there will be a church service. The venue will to be confirmed at a later date.
On Saturday 5 September there will be a tour on the steam train from Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog and then on to Portmerion (fares included). On Sunday 6 September there will be a scenic tour through Llanberis pass and stopping at Bewts-y-Coed.
Unlike the previous reunions we are not organising it ourselves but have handed the organisation over to Isle of Wight Tours who organised our last one in 2018, which was a huge success. Book now to avoid disappointment!
Isle of Wight Tours Ltd, 3 New Road, Lake, Sandown, Isle of Wight, PO36 9JN. Telephone 01983 405116; Fax 01983 405584
Follow Chester Branch on Facebook or visit our website: qaranc-chester.wixsite.com/home.
THE GAZETTE QARANC
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BRANCH NEWS
Glenys Hollins, the branch standard-bearer, attended a remembrance event in Canada, and writes about it here
Remembering Remembrance in Canada
It was a great privilege and honour to represent Chester Branch at a very poignant remembrance parade commemorating the end of WW1, on 11 November 2018, in Bracebridge, Canada.
It was my second visit to Bracebridge, in the Muskoka Lake Region, which is an hour and half’s drive from Toronto. I first visited Bracebridge in 2014 with eight other members of the branch, to commemorate the beginning of WW1.
Patricia (Trish) Smith and I went this time, flying out on the 6 November to Toronto, where we were met by our hosts Reverend Michael and Mrs Janice Barnes, who is an ex QA, and remains a member of Chester Branch.
Our stay was packed with activities and visits. I enjoyed
meeting again the people I first met in 2014. On Sunday 11 November we attended a church service at the Presbyterian Church, where I carried the Standard into church, accompanied by the choir and the Reverend Doctor Heather Malnick. Trisha had the honour of reading ‘The Anniversary’ by Anthea Gilling, which reflected on the sacrifice of those lost in that awful conflict.
Following the service, we mustered with the rest of the participants in the Military Parade. I proudly carried the standard, and Trisha laid a wreath on behalf of The Chester Branch of the QARANC Association at the Memorial Park Cenotaph.
After the parade we went to The Royal Canadian Legion Hall for refreshments and a time of comradeship. We later attended a ringing of the ‘The Bells of Peace’ at
Glenys Hollins, Chester Branch Standard bearer, in Toronto, Canada
Bracebridge Fire Station. The rest of our stay was an enjoyable mini holiday before we flew home on the 15 November. I am thinking of applying for Dancing on Ice as there was so much snow during our visit! I am looking forward to my next visit to Bracebridge, but this time it will be a summer visit, hopefully with more members of the branch.
Glenys Hollins, Standard Bearer