Page 56 - QARANC Spring 2024

56 The Gazette QARANC Association
NORTHERN IRELAND BRANCH
‘Successful six
months with
honours for
member Mary’
We are delighted to report a healthy
and happy six months since the Autumn Gazette with lots of activity from the Branch. Membership has steadily grown, and we have enjoyed trips including to a gin distillery with free samples!
In July members attended Mount Stewart for outdoor jazz and picnic, where the rain didn’t dampen the mood of those attending. A total of 47 attended our annual Christmas lunch in the splendid surroundings of Ulster Reform Club, where members and guests enjoyed great food and met up with friends old and new.
In January, 30 members and friends attended the Full Monty in the opulent Grand Opera House where there was much screaming and lots of laughter, our members know how to have a good time!
Squadron Leader Mary B. O’Neill, one of our veterans, has been honoured with the Kings Volunteer Reserve Medal which she received from HRH Princess Anne at Buckingham Palace in October.
Mary, served for 15 years at 204 Fd Hosp, before transferring to the newly formed 502 RAF (Ulster Squadron) as their Senior Nursing Officer, and later took up the post as OC Medical Reserves within the Medical Flight at 502.
The 502 Commanding Officer put Mary forward
for her services in nursing, both her military reserve nursing career of 23 years and 48 years in NHS. This included her commitment and dedication during the covid pandemic.
When asked by the Princess Royal what she had gained from her reservist career, Mary replied: “My reservist career enriched my life. I gained new knowledge, a sense of belonging and comradery. It has given me the confidence to pursue my NHS career and apply for senior posts that I may never have undertaken. It’s as if I carry ‘that special something’ in my back pocket that gives me a boost.”
Mary credits her early years in the QARANC at 204 Field Hospital with imbuing her with leadership qualities and experience to take up her post as SNO within the RAF reserves. She remains an active participant in the Branch.
Lt Col K McFadden-Newman ARRC, NI Branch Secretary