Page 35 - QARANC Vol 20 No 1 2022

WELSH BRANCH
Gareth’s Kitchen served up a treat
The Gazette QARANC Association 35
We welcomed seven new members, boosting our membership to 73 and have continued to communicate with members via regular newsletters, telephone calls or visits to those who may have needed support.
During September we were fortunate to use the magnificent grounds of Usk Castle, for our Branch Lunch, courtesy of the Humphreys family. The event was very well attended, and the sun shone whilst members strolled around the Castle grounds. It was a time to catch up with friends we hadn’t seen in person for many months and there was a great deal to catch up on!
The tables looked splendid with the floral arrangements and wine standing on wooden stands with the Corps colours used in choice of the napkins.
Member Mo Humphreys and her team provided, as usual a splendid lunch, much enjoyed by the attendees. Entertainment was provided by Ian and Graham who caused much laughter. A great day was had by all.
In November we were delighted to congratulate our chair, Caroline Whittaker, for her recognition by Royal College of Nursing, Wales with a lifetime achievement award (see page 7).
With no official branch remembrance event, individuals attended local services. B Detachment 203 (Welsh) Field Hospital paraded in Crickhowell with some of our members participating. The Detachment was led by Major Fiona Grew QARANC, and
a wreath laid by Capt Brian Pratt. The parade was marshalled by Sargent Major WO2 Andrea Marfell QARANC of the Field Hospital, who kept everyone in order.
In preparation for Christmas a cooking and flower arranging demonstration was held at Gareth’s Kitchen in November. Gareth Richards is a well-known TV chef.
The morning cooking session was focused on five dishes with a Christmas theme – white chocolate cheesecake, a soft dough filled with mixed fruit garland, mince pies, turkey tarts and a quick and easy pickle. Many of these items were eaten by participants for their lunch, the remainder disappearing with a cup of tea before departure!
The afternoon session of flower arranging, Petals and Blooms a Feast of Delight for Christmas, was well received.
Gareth made it all look so easy as he demonstrated different types of arrangements from a traditional tall red and green one to a teardrop and a gift basket. The stunning arrangements were raffled off for the lucky winners to take home.
December saw us return to Radyr Golf Club for our Christmas Lunch attended by over 50 members and guests. It was good to see such a wonderful turnout.
Our Chair Caroline gave a summary of the year before telling us about a recent event with which she was involved. She had been returning
home by bus when she saw a man ground bleeding heavily. She rendered first aid with very limited resources, and with no ambulance available, she ‘commandeered’ the bus to take the casualty to hospital. Later the driver delivered Caroline and her partner to the door.
The story raised much laughter as many could picture the incident as the story unfolded. This as you can imagine is the short version!
As always there was a raffle, but this was special as a member had commissioned a Welsh spoon with the QA crest which was won by a delighted Kate Eardley. There were many other prizes on offer which were unwrapped with delight. Following coffee and very good mince pies members and guests departed home.
We are looking forward to meeting up with our QA friends from around the country at the reunion lunch in Cardiff on May 21st.
Diana McCrea