Page 8 - The Gazette Autumn 2023

8 The Gazette QARANC Association
‘You’ve helped
make this the
best job ever!’
We are sad to report that Sue McAteer has decided to retire from the QARANC and the Association. Here she reflects on six and half special years.
I’m sat at my laptop on a wet Sunday afternoon, looking for inspiration for my farewell article. This was never going to be easy. But I don’t have to look very far. I’ve just responded to a letter from one of our 74-year-old veterans.
She writes: “I have lost contact with any army friends and my husband who was a serving soldier has died and my health is getting frail......if there is anyone in my area who needs a visit, I would be happy to help.”
To most observers she would be the one in need of help, but she’s a QA and a member of the Association. Enough said.
There are too many instances of compassion, generosity, and friendship to even begin to quantify what working for the Corps and the Association has meant to me. I started six and a half years ago as Regimental Secretary, a civil servant with no prior experience of the Army. To say the QAs took a risk in employing me is an understatement. But, it has been both interesting and challenging, and a real honour to have served both the Corps and the Association.
From day one I had the guidance and trust of successive Chief Nursing Officers (CNOs) and Colonels Commandant as well as serving personnel too numerous to mention. I gradually got to grips with Corps matters, with one or two exceptions, but soon learnt how to redirect questions about Dress Regs and complex heritage questions.
Equally, our retired Association members welcomed me into the QA family and branches frequently invited me to their functions. The postal delivery always included thank you cards, and I’ve spent many an hour on the phone in conversation with grateful recipients of flowers or benevolence.
Numerous events will hold a special place in
There are too many instances of compassion, generosity, and friendship to even begin to quantify what working for the Corps and the Association has meant to me
Meeting the Countess of Wessex
my memory; the Sunset Ceremony at the NMA, the 70th Anniversary Garden Party at Bagshot Park, the Centenary of Male Nursing at Netley, Remembrance, Florence Nightingale and Corps Day commemorations, and several Reunion Lunches (to name but a few).
What do I see as the Association’s greatest achievements in recent years?
Undoubtedly the shakeup of the membership database and subsequent increase in members both serving and retired; greater rapport with the Branches and financial support to help them operate; improved communication with those on HQ Roll; greater engagement with serving personnel and unwavering support for those in need, especially during the pandemic.
My sincere thanks to the trustees and the office team who made it all happen. Many individuals have contributed during my tenure but with me, almost from beginning to end, have been Alison (Admin), Sally (Treasurer), John (Chair) and Carol (Col Commandant). To them I say an extra special thank you.
Finally, thank you to all of you reading this. You have helped to make this the best job ever and I will certainly keep in touch with the Association.
Wishing you all the best for the future.
Sue, Regimental Secretary, QARANC General Secretary, QA Association
Sue McAteer Sue with former office manager Sarah Young and Alison Roberts Sue & Carol