Page 24 - QARANC Vol 14 No 10 2015

22 QARANC THE GAZETTE
Field of Remembrance – a day to remember
On the 6th November 2014 I had the honour and the privilege to be chosen to represent MDHU Frimley Park and the Queen Alexandra Royal Army Nursing Corps in the 86th Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey. Four of us were lucky enough to have been selected from different units and it really was a day that I will never forget.
It was an early start and as I put on my number two regimental dress I felt extremely proud and lucky to be given the opportunity to be a part of such a momentous occasion.
As the driver pulled up outside Westminster Abbey there were queues of people waiting to show their respects and remember those that had made the ultimate sacrifice. As I finally made it through the crowds I was overwhelmed as I looked around at all of the remembrance tributes knowing that each and every one of them carried a personal message to someone who had lost their life in the service of our country.
I joined the other QARANC nurses from the other units, the Director of Army Nursing Services, our Corp RSM, the inspirational ladies from the QARANC association and our very own Chelsea pensioner (Sgt Barbara Whilds) behind our Field of Remembrance and waited for the service to begin.
Prince Harry opened the service, prayers were said and crosses of remembrance were laid in front of two wooden crosses from the graves of unknown British soldiers from the
first and second world wars. As the last post played followed by a two minute silence I felt both immensely proud and emotional.
The day concluded with a lovely lunch at the Victory Services club paid for by the QARANC Association for those of us that were selected to attend, where we all had the chance to reflect on such a prestigious and memorable event that made me very proud to say that I am a member of the QARANC and a serving member of the Armed Forces.
Sgt Laura Evans, MDHU Frimley Park
Bake Off competition
On Wednesday 11th January, QARANC Student Nurses held a Bake Off competition at Birmingham City University in aid of the Army Benevolent Fund. The day was a huge success raising just under £400. A representative from the ABF came down to support, bringing with him prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in the bake off itself, along with t-shirts and wristbands to raise awareness for this fantastic charity.
The competition was judged by Lt Col Palmer, Maj Jamieson & Lt Gilbert who very much enjoyed tasting over 10 cakes along with a number of cupcakes.
3rd place was awarded to Pte Metson with a Victoria Sponge Piñata Cake, 2nd place was awarded to Pte Howells’ first ever bake with a Double Chocolate Fudge Cake. Finally 1st place was rightfully awarded to Pte Yardley for her delicious Lemon Drizzle Cake.
After this successful event, I’m sure we can look forward to many more charity events organised by our nominated charity representatives Cpl Richardson and Pte Yardley. Pte Metson, Cohort 09/14