Page 7 - QARANC Vol 14 No 12 2016

Our Very Special Day
– Jean & Albert Gould
On 11 June 2015, my husband & I had the honour & privilege of meeting the Queen at the occasion of the Presentation of the New Colours to The Royal Welsh, of which Her Majesty is Colonel in Chief.
Jean Gould, Committee Member, Welsh Branch
Jean is one of our most loyal members, who participates in almost every Branch outing, faithfully accompanied by her husband Al, who has recently become a Branch Honorary Member. She has held the office of treasurer on the Branch Committee. Jean joined the Regular Army in 1954 and the same year met Al, who was in the Parachute Regiment, having transferred from the Royal Welsh. After a whirlwind romance, they were married a few weeks later, and although Jean only spent one year as a Regular QA, she soon joined the Aldershot Branch of the Association, transferring to the Welsh Branch when they moved back to Al’s native Wales in 2001. Al is now secretary of the Royal Welsh Association and they were fortunate enough to meet the Queen during the ceremony of the amalgamation of the 2 Battalions of the Royal Welsh.
THE GAZETTE QARANC 5
How we
are helping
our own in
need...
Benevolence is an important function of our Association. The QARANC Association Benevolent Fund awards financial grants to purchase specific goods, services or facilities for serving and retired members of the Corps, or their dependents, who are in need, hardship or distress.
During the last financial year, the QARANC Association spent over £50,000. Here is a breakdown of how the grants were delivered by purpose...
Annuitants
Grants sent to our Annuitants usually twice yearly
Over £8,000
Household Items
Over £5,000
Wellbeing
This includes grants sent to those requesting assistance due to a hardship or need
Over £14,000
House Adaptations
Over £5,000
Mobility
This includes grants towards mobility equipment and travel
Over £2,000
Other Charitable Donations
Over £16,000
STOP PRESS!
Formation New Branch – South
Downs Branch
It is planned to form a new Branch of the Association on 1 July 2016. This will include the current Portsmouth Branch Membership and hopes to attract members from Winchester to Eastbourne.
We are looking to form the new Committee and roles include: Secretary, Treasurer, Social, Media and Communications and Membership. Anyone interested in volunteering for any committee role should email their preference to the Vice Chairman Portsmouth Branch Major Debra Ritsperis or phone using the contact details below.
The Inaugral Meeting to agree Committee Membership and confirm events for the future is planned for early July and it is anticipated that this will be an afternoon tea held in a hotel in Worthing. Final details are being confirmed and further information can be obtained from the Vice Chairman Portsmouth Branch Major Debra Ritsperis
Contact details for Debra are: Major Debra Ritsperis at debra.ritsperis463@mod.uk or 02392 286000 ext 1318.