Page 52 - QARANC Vol 15 No 1 2017

50 QARANC THE GAZETTE
Maj (Retd) Peggy McGuilp (nee Tombs) ARRC
1937–2016
It is with much sadness that we must announce the death of our friend Peggy McGuilp following a short battle with cancer. She died peacefully at home in Bewdley, Worcestershire surrounded by her family.
Peggy was the fourth of a family of ten children and her family was always a very important part of her life.
Peggy completed her General Nurse Training at Horton General Hospital, Banbury. This was followed by Midwifery Training at Marsden Green Maternity Hospital, Birmingham.
Following a car accident Peggy recuperated at her sister’s home and while there she was introduced to an ex- military doctor; this meeting persuaded her to join the QARANC. She applied and was duly commissioned on 3 February 1964.
Peggy’s first taste of military life was on the General Ward at Catterick Military Hospital.
Peggy served in Malaysia 1965/67 practicing as a midwife. Back in the UK she served at Woolwich (on the burns unit), Aldershot and Edinburgh.
In 1970/71 Peggy became a Registered Sick Children’s Nurse, her training taking place at Brighton. Paediatric nursing was her first love.
Believing in seizing every opportunity Peggy discovered a passion for skiing while serving in the Military Hospitals in Hanover, Rinteln Munster and Berlin. At every opportunity she would head for the Hartz Mountains, culminating with her skiing for the Army.
In the New Years Honours List of 1987 Peggy was awarded the ARRC, a very proud moment.
While serving in Catterick, Peggy met and married “Mac” who she had met through her local Church. They married in 1986 and Peggy resigned her commission in1988. The couple moved to Peggy’s home town of
Bewdley. Peggy and Mac had twelve very happy years together; they loved to travel around the country in their camper van especially to Scotland (Mac’s homeland) and to the Christmas Markets in Germany. The McGuilp family will remember Peggy for the love and compassionate care she gave to Mac and his children and grandchildren.
Her retirement years were busy; not a lady to sit back and relax, she was actively involved in the local Church and also the Mothers Union. She was a member of Clent Luncheon Club and the local flower club. She was also involved in Bereavement Counselling.
Peggy owned a motorhome which she loved taking all over the UK, either travelling alone and meeting friends or travelling with family or friends. If not travelling, she loved spending time in her garden.
Always at the heart of Peggy’s life was her family. Although never a mother herself she was a mother figure to her extended family and to Mac’s family.
Peggy regularly attended Midland Branch meetings and outings. She was a joy to know and we shall miss her smile which could light up a room. It has been a privilege to know this lady and we will remember her with affection.
Pauline Gretton
Hon Sec Midland Branch
Col (Retd) Maura Mulhern ARRC
19 November 16
Maura was born in Birr, County Offlay in August 1939. She trained in Manchester and was commissioned into the Corps in 1968.
Maura’s service saw her gain wide experience with postings at the Cambridge Military Hospital, Colchester, Wroughton, Iserlohn, Hong Kong, Catterick and UKLF. She held a wide range of posts including ISTO, Deputy Matron, Corps Recruiting and that of Matron.
Maura retired in the rank of Colonel in 1994.
Maura was always impeccably dressed, both in uniform and civilian attire; the edge of her veils were like razors!
Maura could, at times, be quite fierce but this belied her inherent kindness. I, and many others, remember that kindness.
May she rest in peace.
Col (Retd) JDF Quinn OStJ
Dorothy Brome (nee Laing)
11 July 38–24 August 16
Dorothy was born on the 11th July 1938 in the Parish of St Mary Jamaica where she was brought up by her maternal grandmother.
On leaving school she worked as a pupil teacher before leaving the Island in 1961 to live with her aunt in London. Shortly afterwards she joined the Army where she trained as a nurse becoming the first West Indian to qualify with the QARANC in Aldershot. Her nursing career included a number of years in Germany and in the UK where she worked as a Health Visitor in Fleet, Hampshire.
In the 1980’s she moved to Barbados (the home of her husband) where she became a much loved District Nurse and also created a beautiful garden – her pride and joy. Dorothy was an active member of the Seventh Adventist Church and a devout Christian. She was a warm and caring person with a great sense of humour.
In 2008 Dorothy returned home to Jamaica to be near her family where she died on the 24th August 2016. She will be greatly missed by family and friends.
Doreen Binks
Linda Stobart
Died 27 October 2016
Linda Stobart (nee Burrell) born Rochdale 6 August 1953 and served with QARANC from 1971 – 1974 when she left to marry Pte Peter Stobart RAMC.
Linda was a lovely lady, generous, compassionate and a strong support to Peter both during and after his military career. She accompanied him on almost all his assignments as the Standard Bearer for Manchester Branch RAMC Association and was popular with everyone.
EAM Freeman