WRAC Association North East Area

Chairman: Major (Retired) Dot Ryder

Secretary: Mrs Irene Maclean

Harrogate Branch

Chairman: Miss Barbara Dawson

Secretary: Mrs Pamela Shearstone

The last six months have sped by – due maybe to the Icelandic winter! Thank goodness the sun has come out. October found us back in our old meeting room at the Wesley Chapel. A very nice note was received from Canon Tony Shepherd of St Peters Church wishing us well in the future.

 In November, our speaker was the Head Gardner from Harewood House. Editor: Many readers will know that Harewood House was the family house of Princess Mary, Princess Royal who enjoyed such close associations with the ATS and WRAC. Her Memorial Rose Garden can still be seen at Worthy Down. He is a friend of one of our members and his talk, called "The Beauty of the Seasons" was well illustrated with wonderful slides including some lovely close ups of the more exotic flowers.

Our usual contingent attended the Remembrance Service at the Harrogate Memorial This time, our Chairman was AWOL marching her socks off at the Cenotaph in London. Christmas Lunch was at our usual watering hole and, although the weather was poor, our fighting forces managed to get there using various modes of transport. The meal was top class.

During our January 2010 meeting, we gave a sound rendition of Happy Birthday to the first of our ladies who will be 90 in 2010. A casual afternoon made more enjoyable with tea, extra biscuits and birthday cake.

Our Fish and Chip Lunch had to be delayed because of the cold weather which blew us away trying to turn round the corners in town but when we visited the Mayor's Parlour, we had a really warm welcome. We were welcomed by Madam Mayor, Councillor Pat Jones, and enjoyed more tea and biscuits and a friendly chat.

In May, our meeting was called "Who's Baby was that?" This caused many a laugh with memories galore. Also we had an easy Quiz – so easy that even the Secretary knew some of the answers!

Busy making arrangements for our day out in Lincoln – more food!