Page 9 - QARANC Vol 17 No 2 2019
P. 9
The Gazette QARANC Association 7
Jurassic
Coast Branch reflections on the 70th Anniversary Commemorations
This was a celebration to remember. Having been out of the Corps since 1996 I went to this anniversary with little idea of what to expect; in fact the whole occasion was fantastic. The Sunset Ceremony was held within the National Memorial Arboretum and was an extremely special and moving event helped along by a beautiful cold spring evening. The delicious dinner that followed enabled us to dine with serving QA’s who were full of enthusiasm and pride for the Corps. I was very impressed by the relative ease with which they seemed to be able to combine the civilian and military aspect of their careers. The following day we had another uplifting service followed by curry lunch.
The perfect way to celebrate 70 years.
Kay Foster
Jurassic Coast Branch
Regular, Reserve and Retired Association members at the National Memorial Arboretum
A moving sunset image giving thanks for 70 years of the Corps
Major Alison Cripps singing at the Sunset Ceremony
2 Medical Brigade and York teaching hospitals. The Symposium finale was a delightful performance of the Voluntary Aid Detachment by John and Eunice Drewry, Patrons of the Nursing Memorial Appeal, who narrated, sung and acted the experiences of untrained volunteer nurses in the First World War. All presentations were recorded and can be viewed on the QARANC Association website under the events tab.
The Chaplain General, Clinton Langston, QHC CF, conducted the Sunset Ceremony at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas. Major Alison Cripps performed operatic renditions of the Kohima Epitaph and the Corps Hymn which enhanced the already superb grandeur of the occasion, supported by the Band of the Royal Corps of Signals. A short BFBS clip of the Sunset Ceremony is available on the QARANC Association website, under the events tab. The evening concluded with a celebratory dinner, dressed in PCS Combats. All ranks felt at ease and enjoyed the friendship and experiences of our Retired QARANC family.
The grand finale of the Corps’ celebrations was a Thanksgiving Service at the Royal Garrison Church, DMS Whittington Barracks. Supported with a donated Steinway piano, Major Alison Cripps’ operatic performance included Panis Angelicus and Ave Maria. Padre Jason Clarke encouraged us to serve on and be inspired by those who had served before us. A curry lunch rounded off the celebrations before Regular, Reserve and Retired personnel bid farewell until next time. Grateful thanks are offered for the donations to the QARANC Association which were just under £1000 and to all those who helped make the two days a resounding success.
Lieutenant Colonel Debra Ritsperis