Page 44 - The Gazette Autumn 2023

44 The Gazette QARANC Association
MIDLANDS BRANCH
A great time was had despite the weather!
In recent years it’s become traditional for the Branch to hold a picnic at Sutton Park. This was no different, except we moved the date to a weekend and invited families.
We opted for July in the hopes that the weather would play along – and with the baking hot sun of May and June we felt assured we were on for blue skies. Well, this year July so far has been a tad bit wet and Sunday 16 July was no different!
In true British fashion the show had to go on, so armed with shelters, umbrellas, camping chairs we met up and proceeded with our picnic in the park.
Despite intermittent downpours a small but hardy group shared a lovely afternoon, sharing food and stories, taking the rare opportunity to enjoy time together. We even managed to get in a game of boules, boy v girls and thanks to the support of Jan,
In true British fashion the show had to go on...
Kieran (members by marriage) and my youngest son Jacob, the boys just secured a win. Not that the girls were competitive but they’re already in training for next year!
As with every association event, time quickly passed by and before we knew it, it was time to pack up and say goodbye, but not before the good old British weather had the final word and as we started to pack up the shelters the heavens opened.
Reminiscent of so many unit exercises in some far-reaching corner of England we were yet again putting down tentage in the rain. But nevertheless, the weather didn’t dampen our spirits and we will return next year (possibly June this time) to have more fun and food.
Maj Darren Illingworth, Branch Chair