Page 8 - QARANC Vol 19 No 1 2021

6 The Gazette QARANC Association
Adventure Training, Regimental/ Family Days, Nursing Times Awards Dinner, SSVC cinema link.
The effectivity of the Charity has not been compromised by COVID-19. In fact, the restructuring and self- reflection by the Board have made the management of the Charity considerably more robust and fit for
purpose. The future with COVID-19 is not known but the central office and Board are ready and able to continue our work and to hold true to our overarching duty to maintain contact between past and present members of the Corps; to foster Esprit de Corps, comradeship and welfare and preserve the Corps’ traditions; to provide relief to members of the Association or past
and present members of the Corps and their dependents who are in need, hardship and distress.
Lieutenant Colonel (Retd)
Merrill Bate, Vice Chair QARANC Association, Chair Governance Committee
Benevolence and Grants 2020
What a strange but nonetheless rewarding year it has been for the RHQ team and trustees. Making sure we reached out to everyone, whether serving or retired, has provided many a challenge, but the messages of appreciation and inspiring words have made it all worthwhile.
Remember the early days of Easter 2020? All very strange but lockdown was still a new phenomenon and we were all adapting. We arranged a delivery of Easter cards and stamps to our branches so that they could mail out to all their members. It was a fantastic effort by all involved. The following month our Colonel-in-Chief sent a heartfelt message of support to the Corps. We were able to share this with our retired members as well but had learnt from experience. This time we used a local print and mail out company.
“The Regimental Card you sent is wonderful and much appreciated. I always take a big breath and stick my chest out when I see that ribbon.”
“What a lovely surprise to receive the card from the Countess. Working in the NHS after my recent retirement from the QAs - it has been relentless. Those few words in the card gave me a real boost.”
“Many thanks to HRH the Countess of Wessex, for her thoughtful and supportive message received today in a lovely card, and now in pride of place on my mantelpiece.”
By late Spring we realised that some form of recognition for the serving was crucial, such was the impact of the pandemic. Somehow, over the following six months we managed to distribute funding to provide a gift for all nurses and healthcare assistants, both Regular and Reserve, in over 128 Regular
Units and 34 Reserve Units. The range of gifts chosen would put any Christmas list to shame: PE Kit, textbooks, paper weights, fob watch, framed TRF, coasters and even a flagstone! Many opted for a gift voucher to be spent at their leisure. What was not in doubt was the appreciation felt by those receiving this acknowledgement for their contribution in the fight against the pandemic.
“Thank you, the £25 gift is appreciated but the recognition is priceless!”
“A big thank you for the QARANC Association financial gift to each QA and how very grateful they are for the significant generosity of the QARANC Association.”
“May I just pass on my thanks for the Amazon vouchers on behalf of the QA’s on ward 412 at RCDM. It was a lovely and generous gift that all the QA’s within my dept greatly appreciated.”
A similar initiative was then undertaken for the retired, with the branches organising the distribution of gifts to their members. Again the range of ideas was amazing: hampers, notelets, pot plants, journals and QA designer facemasks.
Christmas in lockdown presented another opportunity to ensure all our retired members were contacted. Christmas cards were sent to everyone and, in keeping with tradition, those for whom 2020 had been particularly difficult received flowers or a gift.
Gifts were also sent to all QA personnel deployed overseas at Christmas and I am especially grateful to a team of volunteers from JHG(SE) who helped with the shopping and wrapping.
As far as formal requests for
benevolence are concerned, these have remained at a pre COVID-19 level. Needs remain the same; mobility aids or adaptations, white/ brown goods, removal costs, roof repairs, funeral expenses. In 2020 we gave benevolence to just over 50 individuals, mainly retired QAs but 10% were still serving. In addition, there are 15 former QAs who are in receipt of an annual Maintenance Grant. It is worth mentioning that there have been very few applications as a direct result of the pandemic, but the trustees are mindful that we may still see the fallout and we are ready to assist.
As expected, grant requests have been minimal. There have been no social or Corps Day events to contribute to, although a few units did manage a socially distanced Christmas event. We continue to support the Army Medical Services Sports Union (AMS SU) and AMS Recruiting via an annual grant.
Whether serving or retired your contributions enable the work of the Association to continue supporting QAs, past and present. I know, from the many letters and emails I receive, that we do make a difference.
“I am happy, but in fact rather upset to say I have had both of my COVID-19 vaccinations. I rarely go out. I would have given way in any queue for a front line para medic or nurse at any time. My son is a Serving officer and is amazed and delighted at the friendship which has been shown to me by the Association. He has served 26 years but says he doubts their Veterans are so well served.”
Sue McAteer General Secretary