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Hello to all our friends far and wide. Our
Christmas function went very well. Southampton Golf Club was a new venue
for us and Bill Webb who runs the venue was excellent in making us very
welcome. Barbara Bennett’s partner Tony was excellent entertainment and sang
many lovely songs to us. We were very pleased to share our Christmas party
with the General Secretary, Maj (Retd) Jane Freebairn and our Area Chairman,
Maj (Retd) Mack Maskens-McIntytre
In March we went to Southwick Wickham Camp
which houses the Map Room containing the chart of the Allied Forces during
World War 2. People were on hand to explain things and, to the enjoyment of
our members, there were armed soldiers on the gate which interested a few of
us. In May we went to Tangmere Museum which is steeped in the history of
flying. There were several different things for us to try including flying a
computer generated plane…..I think we all crashed!
We have a trip to Blandford Museum on 28
June which Beryl Allinson has organised for the Branch. A market trip as
well as an In-shop visit during the middle of the year and in October we are
going to the Poppy Factory.
Our 60th Anniversary Lunch on 6
April was absolutely fantastic. Jean Doe got the printer to make mementos
of the day. Beryl Allinson got the venue and menu sorted. Florrie Groves
did the floral table decorations. Gail organised the cake as well as
sorting out the raffle with Peggy Sorley. All the hard work, worry and
stress were all worth it to see everything slot into place and everyone
enjoying themselves. Our guest of honour, Mrs Elspeth Forbes-Robertson gave
us more of her talks of World War 2 and there were three local newspapers
taking photographs. This was because Jean Doe had reminded them that they
had promised to attend our earlier functions and had not turned up. A
surprise for Jean Doe was that John, my husband, and I made her a plaque as
a Certificate of Achievement for the Branch’s 60th and it was
presented by the Vice President, Lt Col (Retd) Sue Westlake. However, I was
in for a surprise myself when she presented me with a WRAC Association
Certificate of Appreciation. Jean Doe had sworn everyone to secrecy so when
I saw what was happening, for once I was at a loss for words, which made
members very happy – I don’t know why!
The South and South West Area Reunion in
Bath was very enjoyable and we all went home happy. The venue, food and
raffle were great and I would like to thank Bath Branch for a lovely day. I
would also like on behalf of our Branch to thank Maj Mac and Jackie Naysmith
for all the hard work they did. in sorting out the fleeces and making sure
that everyone went home with what they paid for!
We have been lucky in having four more new
members into our Branch. In one evening alone we had three new members
join; can any other Branch beat that? So it’s a big welcome to Thelma Flegg,
Ella Baxter, Diane Pratt and Judith Kipling.
I have the sad task of mentioning that two
of our members have died: Pat Welham and Eileen Kisby. Pat Welham lived in
Maypole Nursing Home in Southampton and died suddenly on 4 May. Her sister
Dee got in touch with us with the sad news. Eileen Kisby lived in Tunbridge
Wells for a lot of years and died on 5 May. Jean Kingdon was a good friend
of Eileen’s and kept in touch with the Branch’s newsletters etc. Both
members were ex-ATS.
Can we just send out a big congratulation to
Mary Macdonald who is retiring in May? Just think Mary, all that free time
on your hands now!
HAPPY BIRTHDAYS.
I would just like to wish some good friends from the old Sunderland Branch a
Happy Birthday. Joyce Atkinson is 80 on 27 July, Vinnie Burgham will be 90
on 23 August and Betty Mitchell will be 80 on 20 November.
LORNA HARVEY.
Does anyone where Lorna is? We met in Hong Kong 1977-1979. Lorna’s husband
was called Ken Harvey and he had changed his surname from Whitefoot to
Harvey when he married Lorna. Her family came from the island of St Kitts
and lived in Shadick, Birmingham. I know she was also stationed in Middle
Wallop after Hong Kong. Ken and Lorna got divorced and then she worked for
the Nat West Bank somewhere in Birmingham. |
