Page 40 - QARANC Vol 15 No 1 2017

38 QARANC THE GAZETTE
Welsh Branch
Chairman: Lt Col (Retd) Marilyn Williams RRC OStJ TD Secretary: Maj (Retd) Rosy Hubbard TD
Not Forgotten Garden Party
I was extremely fortunate this year to be invited to the “Not Forgotten” Association Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, which was held in May. This is an annual occasion and is the last party of the season and much smaller than the other parties, only 2,500 guests in comparison with 4,000 for the others.
It is always attended by one member of the Royal Family; this year it was Prince Andrew and his two daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.
I met two QARANC Association members, Maj (Retd) Dottie Calderwood, and WO1 (Retd) Anne P Frazer ARRC in the beautiful gardens of the Palace on a lovely sunny day.
It was a joyful, colourful occasion, with the military bands playing and everyone dressed in summer outfits or smart uniform. The RSM was presented to Princess Beatrice, who was charming, friendly and very interested in the RSM’s hat.
We mingled amongst the crowd and met up with other QARANC personnel. There were also a number of well-known celebrities chatting and having their photographs taken. Tea was served at 2.15pm and consisted of delicate sandwiches, cakes and strawberries and cream.
A perfect day, “Not to be Forgotten”.
Marilyn Williams
Pen Y Fan Walk
On a misty day in August a few stalwart Branch members and Bertie, the dog, gathered together to climb Pen Y Fan, the highest peak in the Brecon Beacons. There were varying ages
and standards of fitness, with our very fit intrepid walker (and Treasurer), Marian, leading the way. It was an approximate 13⁄4 hour climb and despite the miserable weather, the views during the ascent were amazing. All had a great sense of achievement and exhilaration on reaching the summit, and the QA Association badge and scarf were proudly displayed in the group photograph. During the descent the long expected rain set in and the lunch, provided at the Brecon Mountain Centre, was much appreciated.
Friends of the Museum AGM & Lunch
This was attended by two Branch members, Marilyn & Beryl. A very interesting talk was given by guest speaker, Col Jim Ryan, about the History of Military Surgery. It was a good reunion & informative day on the progress of the proposed new Museum of Military Medicine.
Festival of Wales Remembrance Concert
Twelve members & friends enjoyed this memorable Welsh event which takes place on the Saturday before the London Celebrations. Welsh Branch Members joined together with QAs from 203 Field Hospital to mark this event, and the Welsh Branch Standard was proudly carried by Capt Lyndon Davies.
Remembrance Day
This year we decided to try a different church venue for our Remembrance Day Service.
St John the Baptist Church, where we held our National Corps Day Service in April, is a beautiful little church with a