Page 38 - QARANC Spring 2024

38 The Gazette QARANC Association
‘Crackers
and whizzing
balloon battles
had us in
hysterics’
Midlands Branch enjoyed festive
fun and some fundraising at their Christmas gathering in Birmingham, as Vice-Chair Denise Carpenter reports.
After a few nail-biting months of fluctuating numbers, menu changes and last-minute swopping of names, we met up for our first Christmas lunch at the Strathallan Hotel, Birmingham – with 49 attending.
We were greeted with canapes, orange juice and Bucks Fizz. Raffle tickets sold like hotcakes at a pound a strip, with a mistaken decision to fold the tickets singularly rather than in strips leading to complaints of repetitive strain injuries!
There was a good mix of ages on each table – the old and bold with serving QAs, students, and those who had not previously attended functions. This created a fabulous atmosphere and plenty of chatter, while crackers and whizzing balloon battles had us all in hysterics.
Three courses followed which were delicious and during the dinner another fundraiser commenced which was the old favourite of guess the weight of the cake.
After everyone was full and the Christmas ‘spirit’ flowing, the raffle commenced with the Chairman winning with the first ticket (fix) but plenty of prizes for others and £220 raised. The new venue was a big hit with the Branch, and we are looking forward to the New Year and lots more get togethers.