Page 58 - QARANC Vol 14 No 10 2015

56 QARANC THE GAZETTE
West Country Branch
Chairman: Mrs T Maddams Secretary: Lt Col (Retd) M Holman
A view from the Chair
After leaving the Corps in 2003, I became a member of the Association and was placed on the HQ nominal roll due to my husband’s service life. It was only in 2007 when we settled in Somerset that I received a letter inviting me to consider joining the West Country Branch, which I did.
Although nervous about attending my first meeting, it soon became clear that it was not only a friendly Branch but there were familiar faces from my service days! I have attended many meetings and events now which have been filled with chatter and laughter. There is a sense of comradeship for those older members and loyalty to a Branch which covers a large geographical area.
My time in the Corps has left me with many, good friends spread far and wide and also many happy memories. Joining the Association has helped reinforce the ethos of friendship and support of others.
I became Chair of the West Country Branch 18 months ago and it has been a challenge; not only as I had big shoes to follow from my predecessor Pang Adams, but also in juggling the commitments from working full time as a Colorectal and Stoma care Clinical Nurse Specialist. It can be difficult at times, but it can be done.
It is important to bridge gaps from one generation of
QA’s to the next, not only in the exchange of diverse military experience in different era’s but also to help those no longer nursing keep up with the ever changing NHS today and how skills gained in military service help. It is fascinating and a privilege to meet those older members who have gone before me and had experiences and postings in places now in our Corps history. With that, I have brought my own set of unique experiences which the other members have found interesting.
I would encourage all members of the Corps to join a local Branch and get the opportunity to not only meet new friends but to catch up with former colleagues and to keep the valued tradition of the Association going.
Tina Maddams, Chair, West Country Branch
Chester Association Branch
Grand Reunion
Calling all past and present members of the QARANC
You are invited to join in on a weekend of fun at the Grand QARANC Reunion
to be held in Shrewsbury 4th to 6th September 2015.
An excellent weekend is planned, with dinner on the Saturday night at the Prince Rupert Hotel and thanksgiving service on the Sunday morning.
Our last reunion was a lovely occasion it brought old friends together and a chance for us to make new friends and a great opportunity for us to reminisce and catch up with each other.
If you would like to stay at the hotel please contact them direct by phone 01743 499955
or via their website: www.prince-rupert-hotel.co.uk
There is also a Premier Inn and other accommodation all within walking distance of the Prince Rupert Hotel where the Saturday dinner will take place.
For more details please contact:
Lynn Orfanelli: Tel: 01829 741189 Email: l.orfanelli@tiscali.co.uk or Liz Ashworth: Tel: 01952 593488 Email: ehashworth@hotmail.com