Page 49 - QARANC Spring 2024

The beginning of 2023 was difficult arranging events only to have to cancel them due to National Transport problems but by July we were up and running with the boat trip on the River Seven in Shrewsbury. We had a lunch first followed by the sail; it was great fun especially being back together again.
September saw us at the Liverpool Liner Hotel a favourite of the branch for our AGM. Numbers were low due to the change of date, but the hotel as always looked after us well.
What started off as an invite to attend the Chester Cathedral Remembrance Service and to take part in the parade, marching with the Veterans three years ago has now become a firm date in our calendar. Despite the very heavy downpour and the GSM giving an ‘eyes right’ instead ‘eyes left’ we kept in step and looked the part, despite the wet cobbled streets. Meg Fish represented the branch in laying the wreath and we followed up with a fabulous lunch at our favourite Greek restaurant.
The year ended with our Christmas Lunch at the Queens Hotel Chester, with 21 members present plus guests. In 2024 celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Chester Branch. Corp Sunday will take place on 24 March at St Andrews Church Tarvin where our Standard is held, followed by Lunch at the local hostelry.
On 20 September we are looking to combine our AGM in Chester with lunch and entertainments to celebrate our anniversary milestone.
In October, we have planned a weekend away to Bletchley with trips to Blenheim and Oxford (further details elsewhere in the Gazette).
November Remembrance Day will include attending the parade and service in Chester.
Chester Branch continues to thrive, and we now have 124 members. We are starting to see members willing to travel and wanting to return to events and meeting with friends old and new and enjoying fellowship.
Chair Jill Mackeen Secretary Lynn Orfanelli
We kept in step and looked the part, despite the wet cobbled streets
The Gazette QARANC Association 49
CHESTER BRANCH
‘A memorable outing on the river and looking ahead to our anniversary year’