WRAC Association North West Area

Chairman: Ms Carrole Montessori-Gorman

Secretary: Mrs Pat Sanders

Rochdale Branch

Chairman: Mrs Elaine Brooks

Secretary: Miss Lorraine Landers

I have to go back to December to begin my report. That was when we had our Christmas lunch, at the Masonic Rooms, our venue for a number of years, with good food and elegant surroundings. This year – to keep us awake! – our "live wire" Maggie, divided us into teams and set us a quiz – great fun.

Our meetings are still staunchly attended by those who are still able to travel, as we have a rather scattered membership, but being able to have lunch before we commence, makes it a social occasion too.

At the February meeting Maggie suggested we start a scrapbook about the Branch and members. First a page for each member containing details of their wartime service and the rest chronicling our "adventures" as the Branch. In March we were invited by The Royal British Legion to attend a Presentation Evening when the Combined Services Cadets (who collect on the streets for the Poppy Appeal) were given trophies for their efforts. It was most enjoyable and finished with a pie and peas supper.

The highlight of our year so far came in early June when the ladies from Bury Branch invited us to join them for afternoon tea at the Midland Hotel in Manchester. Not quite 'tea at the Ritz' but the nearest we could get and a truly delightful way to get together. Thank you to Mary, Lilian, Joan and the rest of Bury ladies.

We are all looking forward to the North West Area Reunion in Liverpool. It seems such a great idea to have it in that great city. I'm sure many of us have memories of going to, or leave from, Lime Street Station!

Our good wishes to the staff who look after the office and keep us up to date – many thanks.