Page 5 - QARANC Vol 17 No 2 2019
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an exceptionally moving event. The weather was kind to us, providing the perfect backdrop of the setting sun as the Chaplain General spoke so movingly from personal experience about the enduring contribution that military nurses continue to make to our military community. I’m sure the memories will stay with all those who attended for a long time. The following day we concluded the symposium by holding our Corps Day Service and rededicating ourselves anew to military nursing. The moving and poignant service was made all the more special by the vocal accompaniment of Major Alison Cripps, showing that the Corps has many talents in addition to nursing.
As we continue to endeavour to raise the profile of military nursing nationally, we achieved another first for the QARANC as we were privileged to take centre stage at the Florence Nightingale Commemoration Service at Westminster Abbey in May. For the first time the QARANC had the honour of bearing the lamp to the altar of Westminster Abbey in addition to
processing the Roll of Honour. All these events serve to both celebrate the achievements of Army Nurses and raise our profile nationally to aid recruitment.
The capstone event of the Anniversary year was the recent Reception at St James’ Palace hosted by HRH The Countess of Wessex. This event is a first for the Corps and is a symbol of how committed and active our Colonel-in-Chief is in her support for military nursing. The surroundings of the event were exceptional, and HRH was of course the perfect host. The attendees were one of our most representative groups, including our Regular, Reserve and Retired communities, every rank from Private to Brigadier and almost every Regular Army Unit were represented. The atmosphere was one of celebration and truly lived up to the Association motto of Friendship.
Colonel Alison McCourt Chief Nursing Officer
The Gazette QARANC Association 3
Report from the Chair of the Board of Trustees
I do hope you have enjoyed the summer and the various functions that were organised; thankfully rain did not stop play! Work is well underway for functions for the rest of the year and next year.
Liz Keenan has joined the Board of Trustees; welcome aboard and thank you for your time. I would like to inform members that we will have two vacancies for trustees in January – do you have time? Do you wish to make a difference? As previously indicated please do send your CV to the General Secretary. I speak to all those interested before application so, if you think you may wish to become a trustee let the General Secretary know and I will telephone you and discuss what is required.
In the last issue I mentioned that we were to undergo a strategic review by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO). This review has been completed and the report produced. From the report there were some 36 work strands or themes extracted which covered all matters concerning the management of the charity. The report was not a shock to the Board and the Board understood matters needed to be refined and, indeed viewed from other angles to ensure we were fit for purpose and
ready for future challenges.
One recommendation we considered
a priority was that the work pressure on the central office was intense and we needed to employ an office manager. The job description has been completed and the post is now advertised. I would hope that by the time you read this that post will be filled and making a difference.
The sub-committees are now up and running, absorbing and implementing the various work strand requirements. I must take this opportunity to thank all for their work – so typical of QAs, giving freely of their time and not expecting anything in return. In the future it is intended to include articles from the sub-committees to inform you of their work. The Gazette is the voice of the Association and, unfortunately, in the past, few understood the work of the Board and its sub-committees. We intend to let you know!
At the Reunion lunch I was honoured to present the first QARANC Association Medal to Pang Adams – well done and thank you for your work, again, so typical of QAs. I ask that Branch chairs and secretaries hone their recommendations for next year. The General Secretary will inform you of the closing date.
We now have our PhD student!
Colonel (Retd) John Quinn
Rebecca Sloane-Mather will add to the superb work being undertaken by the Heritage and Chattels sub-committee.
Colonel (Retd) John Quinn Chair