Page 43 - QARANC Vol 15 No 1 2017

take part in the ceremonial aspect of the tour and represent the QARANC Association.
On 5 November 2016, I was honoured to carry the Welsh Branch QARANC Association Standard in uniform at the Wales Festival of Remembrance at St David’s Hall, Cardiff. Other members of QARANC serving with 203 (Welsh) Field Hospital took part in the muster, and it was really nice to be joined during the interval with members of the Association for a group photograph.
On 12 November 2016, I attended the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall, where it was lovely to meet past and present members of QARANC who were also in the audience. It was a proud moment watching the QARANC contingent marching smartly down the steps representing our cap badge in such a professional manner. The following morning, I was on parade at the Cenotaph with members of the QARANC Association representing branches from across the Nation. The day ended with an invitation back to the Sgt’s Mess in Wellington Barracks. The invitation was by friends from the Welsh Guards, where we were joined by HRH the Prince of Wales. In a rare but very special moment, a few of us burst into song to sing Happy Birthday to His Royal Highness whose birthday was the following day. He responded with a very approving “Diolch yn Fawr” which was met with a round of applause and three cheers to His Royal Highness from all those present. We all then attended a memorial service in the Guards Chapel before marching down to Horse Guards behind the Welsh Guards Band, where the Prince of Wales laid a wreath at the Guards’ Memorial. Until then, I had not realised that the inscription on the memorial also pays tribute to medics
attached to the Guards Divisions who gave their lives.
I regard myself as having been very fortunate to have had such incredible experiences over the course of the last few months. It has been an honour to carry the Standard
on behalf of the Welsh Branch of the QARANC Association, and the memories gained from doing so will live with me for a very long time to come.
Captain Lyndon Davies QARANC
THE GAZETTE QARANC
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BRANCH NEWS
Chester Branch
Christmas Lunch
On Saturday 10 December 2016, Chester Branch members, old and new, came together at The Queens Hotel, in Chester for Christmas lunch. Prior to lunch we remembered those members no longer with us. We also had the customary raffle, with some lovely prizes
including a picture of penguins painted by our own artist, Liz Ashworth. There was plenty of conversation and laughter as old friends came together, and new members were made welcome.
Vera Wormall