Friday 18 June 2021

COVID Secure Garden Party June 2021 - QARANC Association Jurassic Coast Branch

The Committee
Pat McKay (Secretary), Moira Dixson (Dep Chair), Marjorie Bandy (Chair), 
Dot Ritchie (Treasurer), Sue Shrimpton (Communications).

12th June 2021 and we are still in the midst of the COVID 19 pandemic, albeit with continuing relaxation of the restrictions as the UK population are increasingly vaccinated.  A gathering of a number of branch members with guests, was an historical event after being unable to meet as a branch for over  18 months. We had all experienced social isolation, with some members who lived alone further impacted.  Therefore, being able to meet so many people outside was really something to look forward to.

Not a branch to sit on our laurels, we planned a garden party at a member's home in the beautiful New Forest National Park, keeping in mind we had to follow COVID guidelines. So, lots of hand gelling and remaining outside of the home.

The gardens had been decorated with the Union Jack flag and bunting, together with our Corp Flag and more bunting and balloons in red and grey.





The day started watching on television the Trooping of the Colour at Windsor Castle, re-located from Horse Guards Parade due to the pandemic. The whole spectacle was magnificent, with the Queen in a stunning outfit. It wasn't long before others joined us and the pre- lunch drinks flowed.







Two of the helpers for the day, wearing specially designed QA aprons made by the Chair. 

Before lunch in the barn an official photograph was taken. Sadly not all our colleagues made the photograph due to traffic delays.  However, they timed it perfectly for the food!



A short speech after lunch by our Chair who made a presentation to the hosts, of a much sought after Florence Nightingale rose.
After lunch it was time for garden games, cake and ice-creams.  Although for some, just sitting in the shade chatting was more than enough on such a hot day.























The games finished with Sue Shrimpton being awarded the gold medal for being the best combined games champion.



"Beautiful day with lovely lunch, Pimm's, games, shade to chat in, catch ups, tea and cake. Could not have been better, and behind all of this are amazing people who ensured it happened, so I support all thanks to our hosts and helpers" Fiona Thompson


4 comments:

  1. It looks like you all had the best time. I wish I could have been there. Looking forward to the day I can come and see you all in person

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  2. I cannot believe a week on and today we have had spit spots of rain, showers forecast this afternoon. Last week I wore a summer dress and today I have a light fleece on! I was drinking Pimm's at this time (1215) to cool down (and obviously because I like Pimm's). It was a memorable day. We were so lucky as today the scientists are saying we are now entering a third wave.

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  3. What a lovely idea Jan and Terry to get the QA Jurassic Coast branch together, after third Covid lockdown 2021, lovely to meet people in the flesh that I only met on the zoom during the Covid pandemic. Most memorable day.

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  4. Great blog reflecting an absolutely brilliant day! Thank you Jan

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