News and Events at the WRAC Association

Obituary - Alison Schofield (nee Senior) 5th May 2012

It is with great sadness we report that Alison Schofield passed away on the 5th May 2012 after a very short but very courageous battle with leukaemia.

Alison was a member of the WRAC Association Council for 6 years (July 2004 - July 2010) having been a Life member of the Association since the early 1960's. She was the linchpin of the Aldershot Branch and served on the committee of the Branch for over 25 years until its closure in 2003. When she was not Secretary or Chairman of the Branch, Alison would be working diligently behind the scenes as a committee member looking after the welfare of its many members. In 2005 a new Branch was set up in Winchester and, in true Alison style, she volunteered to be its' Chairman. At the AGM, just 4 months ago, the Branch Secretary resigned and Alison volunteered and took over as Secretary.  She was Assistant Editor of Lioness for many years and never failed to capture Association gatherings on camera, she took some lovely photos at our recent Grand Reunion.

Alison's Funeral will take place at St Thomas-on-The-Bourne, Frensham Road, Farnham, GU9 8HS on Tuesday 22nd May at 2 pm, followed by internment at Aldershot Military Cemetery at approximately 3.15 pm. No flowers, but donations if desired to Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice c/o Thorne-Leggett Funeral Directors, Petersfield Road, Whitehill, Bordon, GU35 9AB. Tel. 01420 488896. 

The 50th and Final Reunion Lunch of the ATS Dinner Club was held at The Victory Services Club on Saturday 1st Octobe 2011 and was well attended by members, ex ATS members and carers.  Representing the WRAC were Lt Col Sue Westlake, Maj Jane Freebairn and Maj Gabi Shanahan.  Also present were Sue Corbett freelance reporter of The Times and all those having spoken in the past at our lunches, or reported on them.  My daughter Julia provided the floral decorations for the tables.

A minutes silence was held in memory of our Patron Brigadier Anne Field, and our President Lady Mary Crofton, both of whom passed away shortly before the lunch, and all deceased members of the ATS Dinner Club.  Music was provided by a five piece Brass Ensemble form the Adjutant General's Corps who played war time music throughout the lunch, which in itself was enjoyed by all attending.

Lt  Col Westlake gave us an interesting talk on the ATS and on the origins of the Dinner Club.  A presentation of an engraved cake-server was made to the Chairman of the Dinner Club and to the Treasurer, Joan Awbrey was presented with Marks & Spencer vouchers in gratitude for work done in Committee.

The Chairman told the members present that an arrangement would be made for them to meet for lunch in The Buttery at The Victory Services Club on the first Wednesday of October each year, those attending being responsible for their own costs, no further newsletters would be published.  Those wishing to attend should telephone the Chairman on 01202 432743 a fortnight before.

I would like to thank all attending the lunch, all those unable to attend, all members of the Dinner Club and all those who served in the ATS in so many categories for their support over the years.  Good luck to you all.

Joy Balmain, Chairman

Lioness 2012 edition 1

Lioness 2012 edition 1 has been uploaded to the website and is available to view on-line to logged-on WRAC Association members. Ex ATS and/or WRAC and not a yet a WRAC Association member? Please click the 'Join' button on the left of this page and enjoy the benefits of membership today.

WRAC Association 2012 Diaries

We still have a few WRAC Association 2012 diaries in stock and they are now available for sale at £1 each, including postage.

Member Login

Details of how to login to the WRAC Association website as a member and access additional page content are held by all Branch secretaries and are at the bottom right-hand corner of page 1 of Lioness 2011 edition 2.

It's now possible to make an on-line donation to the WRAC Association or the ATS & WRAC Association Benevolent Fund. Our on-line donations are handled by our chosen partner, Virgin Money Giving. The website provides a secure method of donating using a debit/credit card or PayPal and you can Gift Aid your donation if you pay tax in the UK. Please follow the website link above or click the 'Donate' button on the left off this page to donate today. Thank you for your support.

Tuesday 1 February 2011

The launch of the new WRAC Association website coincides with the 62nd anniversary of the formation of the WRAC.