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What a special time we have had since the last edition of
our splendid magazine. The highlight was of course the absolutely marvellous
Grand Reunion held in Blackpool. The work in making the arrangements which
made the weekend so memorable were more than appreciated by our Branch
members – all of us were there.
I have two items to be claimed – one of our
ladies found a badge in the “ladies” – so if you are the owner and can
identify it, please ring me on 01978 822802 and I will return it. There is
also a very nice photograph of a member who sat at our table during the Gala
Dinner. She and her companion were late because of the traffic problems on
the M6. Again if you telephone, I will forward this.
We have been so lucky and so proud to welcome
some very enthusiastic ex-WRAC ladies, they have invigorated us all and are
keeping us on our toes – no tip toes. Pat
Sanders who deserves a special mention as
does Joy Griffiths are busy building up a Wirral Branch which meets in the
evenings. Joy is the Standard Bearer for both our Branches and we are truly
grateful we are part of their company. We have been busy arranging social
events, one of which is a ride on a real steam train combined with a trip on
the canal which will include a ride over the Ponttysyclle viaduct – try that
welsh name!! The viaduct is subject of a bid for heritage request and is one
of Thomas Telford’s more famous building.
There has been a visit to Speke Hall,
Liverpool and there is to be a visit to Erthig Hall, Wrexham. The Marches
and Mid Wales Branch have invited us to a commemorative event for Armed
Forces Day at Welshpool, well out of our usual territory and a day we are
looking forward to very much. We certainly try to dodge the doom and gloom
enveloping our lovely country. At least the lads are out of Iraq (and the
girls), perhaps it will not be long before they are out of Afghanistan. It
is odd to think the trouble caused by the poppy there since here it is a
symbol and emblem of sacrifice and peace.
By the time this reaches print our Secretary
Mrs Vera Hamblett will have stepped down. She has been the Secretary of the
Chester Branch for nearly 25 years and intends to resign at the AGM. She
will be a very hard act to follow, but we are lucky as we still retain her
services as the Treasurer and a very excellent one – she guards our money
like Cerebus! We will miss her secretarial skills but we really need to be
“electrified” as neither Vera orI have access to computer land or e-mail. We
are truly indebted to her for her faithful service and can only hope that
the next volunteer for this onerous post will enjoy it as much as Vera has
and we have enjoyed her help and company. Thank you Vera.
Best wishes from Chester to all our comrades.
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