Page 49 - QARANC Vol 14 No 8 2014

being forwarded electronically or by snail mail.
Lynn Orfanelli Branch Secretary.
to all members either
Countess of Wessex. Sadly again the weather prevented half of our members attending, but again the 7 who did found the service very moving and we especially enjoyed, the performance of “Cripps and Saunders” we then enjoyed a buffet lunch in the mess and caught a glimpse of the Countess signing the visitors book.
May - saw our annual trip to the College of Food to watch students
THE GAZETTE QARANC 47
shopping galleries there give a whole new meaning to retail therapy. At 3pm, which is now a tradition, we met up again for tea and cakes and more chattering and exchanging photos and more revelations.
Dinner in the evening turned out to be a huge success. Once again we had the privilege of being Joined by Col David Bates, our soon to be President of the Association and to whom at this point I would like to say on behalf of the branch thank you for joining us. The meal was excellent and the wine flowed freely.
Despite the late night when some of us retired, in true QA fashion we were all up on Sunday Morning to attend the service, which was held in the hotel. Rev George Perera came to the rescue at the last minute due to the fact that our Padre was called away on an emergency took the service.
The service of Holy Communion and celebration of the Queen Alexandra Royal Army Nursing Corps commenced with the regimental march. The act of remembrance and the QARANC Collect was made all the more special by the fact that it was just us gathered together. It reminded us of the members of the forces who are serving abroad for the peace and welfare of the nation.
The weekend was a huge success for all sorts of reasons. I cannot end without paying tribute to the Hotel. They were quite simply amazing and went out of their way to help time after time! Absolutely nothing was a problem and that includes tracking down a suitcase! But that’s another story.
There is a DVD of the event available produced by our photographer on the night - Raymond Farley. He did us proud and if you would like a copy please contact Lynn Orfanelli (17 Andrews Close, Tarvin, Chester CH3 8LN).
Midland Branch
Sue Reading, Chairman Pauline Gretton, Secretary
That Was The Year That Was 2013
An overview of our Branch activities. We currently have a membership of 71 with a maximum attendance of 25-
30 members + guests.
We started the year with a
committee meeting in January to plan for the current year and information
In November a party of us once again took part in the Remembrance Parade at the Cenotaph. If you saw it on the television you will have seen that the Corps was given excellent publicity. As a result of the broadcast the Chester branch signed up a new member.
Finally our year ended with our Christmas Lunch which was held once again at the Queens Hotel. We had great fun and just for a change, instead of Father Christmas appearing, Rambo did! Thanks to Maria’s husband for being such a good sport.
Our plans for 2014 include celebrating our 60th Birthday as a branch and a trip to Canada in November. Oh and before I forget yes we are doing another reunion. The venue has yet to be confirmed but let’s just say it may include a castle!
It is with sadness that I report the death of Susan Maree Cooper (Nee Treacy) on 19th August 2013. Sue, as she liked to be called, was a great supporter of the Chester Branch. Her role was that of Press Officer, a task that she took on with enthusiasm not just in the written word but also with her photographs which would give David Bailey a run for his money! In her last months she set herself goals to reach and one of them was to attend our reunion in Liverpool. “I am going to write that the report” she told me. Sadly she did not make it. Sue was a kind, gentle, honest person who bore her pain with dignity and her sense of humour. She was devoted to her boys as she liked to call them. She was definitely one in a million and will be sadly missed. Stand down Sue you have done your duty. RIP.
Our AGM on 23rd March was held at our usual venue Tally Ho Conference Centre in Birmingham. Due to the appalling weather conditions only 12 members braved the snow and ice and were supported by 3 guests.
March 27th, Corps Day at Whittington Barracks in the presence of our Patron Her Royal Highness the