Page 6 - The Gazette Autumn 2023

6 The Gazette QARANC Association
‘I’ve become a connoisseur of fried bread!’
What an interesting year this has been, the winter, thankfully, was relatively mild and we entered the new year with no financial fears.
Our first major event was the reunion; off I went to the Victory Services Club (VCS) for the branch chairs and secretaries meeting the evening before. It was with some trepidation as I wondered how matters were across the nation. In the morning I rose and went to breakfast; one of the joys of breakfast at the VCS is the fried bread, it reminds me of my first morning as a recruit:
‘...excuse me, may I ask: what are those golden triangles?’
A chap in whites fumed:
‘...Corporal to you, you ******!’
A scurrying recruit passed me:
‘...fried bread...’
Chips were also served at breakfast...I was soon
to learn why this calorie laden meal – as well as all others – was offered! The joys of recruit training...
I became a connoisseur of fried bread, rarely eaten these days but a treat at the VSC.
After my fortification I went down to the hall to help as I could with the preparation for the event. Looks like a good turnout, I do wonder what the mood will be like. I thought.
As members arrived, I could see the joy of meeting old friends and sense the uplifted mood, the hum, buzz and banter. My worries evaporated; this mood felt like it was pre-pandemic. A wonderfully organised day and very much enjoyed; I am just sorry I could not meet and speak to you all.
It must be said that part of the success was the efforts of the branches during the pandemic – keeping ‘ours’ together keeping a watchful eye on those who may need attention – thank you.
As members arrived, I could see the joy of meeting old friends and sense
the uplifted mood, the hum, buzz and banter.
Next year is our 75th, the reunion will be in Birmingham. I look forward to that – more on that later.
Then came the coronation, an excellent day. My mother often reminded me that I did see the last coronation but being eight months old I seemed more interested in sleep than the tiny box in the room!
I must congratulate the QA contingent at the coronation, excellent. Some of my old contemporaries were there watching and were incredibly positive about the performance of our contingent. I do know they practiced at all hours...well done! You were all a credit to the Corps.
The board of trustees remain strong, and performance orientated, we say thank you to S/ Sgt Cally Brunton and Cpl Hannah Gray who have stepped down and hello to S/Sgt Seb Mwaura and S/Sgt Chole-Marie Brahmbhatt who join the board. We also welcome our new colonel commandant: Col (Rtd) Andrea Lewis RRC.
Last but certainly not least is the appointment of our Administration Manager (formerly the office manager role) – Maj (Rtd) Tracey Buckingham ARRC. Welcome and thank you for accepting this post during a remarkably busy time.
On a final note, this edition contains a new section ‘Letters to the Editor.’ We have considered this for some time and after the article on the Museum of Military Medicine in the last edition prompted a letter from Col (Rtd) Dr EE Gruber Von Arni asking ‘What is a Military nurse?,’ it seems an interesting question to invite your comments.
Look after each other.
John Quinn
Chair Board of Trustees
2024 QARANC Association Reunion Lunch
The 2024 QARANC Association Reunion Lunch will be held on Saturday 27 April 2024 at The Grand Hotel, Birmingham, B3 2BS.
2024 marks the 75th Anniversary of the QARANC and therefore the event promises to be a celebration of the Corps. A decision this year has been made to heavily
subsides the event by 75% for Association members. Applications to attend can be found in the back of The Gazette or on the QARANC Webpage. We do hope that you are able to attend and meet up with old friends and acquaintances and meet and make new friends and
acquaintances.