THE Welsh Branch of the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps (QARANC) nurses celebrated their 50th anniversary in the pleasant surroundings of Usk Castle on Sunday 15th July by kind permission of Henry and Rosie Humphreys.

Whilst the Corps flag was flying from the castle tower, Royal British Legion Llanelli provided music as members and their guests from across Wales and beyond mingled and renewed past acquaintances.

Following a rendition of both Welsh and British National Anthems a splendid lunch was served. The lunch was produced by branch members, headed by Mo Humphreys. Following the leisurely lunch and musical interlude, the band struck up the Corps March Grey and Scarlet. A toast to the corps was proposed by Lt Col (Rtd) Caroline Whittaker RRC, OStJ, Chair of the Welsh Branch. The anniversary cake was then cut by Col Carol Kefford, Col Commandant QARANC.

The Welsh branch was formed in 1968 with 14 members and has now grown to 75, which includes three ladies who served in the Second World War.

The branch is open to all serving and past members of QARANC, regardless of rank. Membership includes both Regular and Reserve members of the corps, who are brought together in a spirit of friendship. 

Many of the members are or have been members of 203 Field Hospital and as such have served on operational tours across the world including Iraq and Afghanistan. One member has recently returned from a deployment to South Sudan where she was on detachment to International Red Cross.

Sunday’s lunch was an opportunity for members to celebrate the 50th Anniversary, rekindle the ‘esprit d’corps’  and renew friendships.

The association has worked at the sharp end of military life throughout the last century of military nursing.

The QARANC Association was founded in 1947 by Dame Louisa Wilkinson DBE RRC. They were able to support the many thousands of members of the QAIMNS, the founding group, who were leaving the service after the Second World War, having shared experiences their civilian colleagues would not have done.

The association is open to all members of QARANC serving and retired, regular or reserve, regardless of rank. Should you be interested in joining see www.qarancassociation.org.uk for further information.