Princess Mary's Royal Air Force Nursing Service

PRINCESS MARY'S ROYAL AIR FORCE NURSING SERVICE ANNUAL THANKSGIVING - ST MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS CHURCH LYNEHAM VILLAGE - 01 JUNE 08

The Royal Air Force is celebrating its 90th Anniversary this year. The Princess Mary's Royal Air Force Nursing Service (PMRAFNS) also had much to celebrate at its Thanksgiving Service on Sunday 1st June. The ceremony was conducted by Rev (Wg Cdr) Beach at St Michaels Church in Lyneham Village. Our sincere thanks to him and his parish for a lovely service. The day was a great success, thanks to Sgt Melissa Brown's organisation and efforts.

We were pleased to welcome Air Commodore Williams RRC (Rtd) who was the first Male Matron - In - Chief of the PMRAFNS from 1997 - 2000. Along with Group Captain Hancock RRC (Rtd), who also held the prestigious position from 1991 - 1994. Also present at the ceremony was Sgt Dave Wilcock and his clan from MDHU Portsmouth as well as nurses from Tactical Medical Wing, based at RAF Lyneham. Nurses from the busy John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford also managed to get away to join us, which was greatly appreciated.

The ceremony reflected on the contribution of its past members as well as remembering the nurses currently serving. Our thoughts and prayers were with the nurses and their families who are currently deployed globally. Flight Lieutenant Willcocks and Cpl Ford read extracts from the bible and Padre Beach's sermon was particularly poignant as we remembered fallen comrades and our vow to continue our support to those in need. Padre Beach also mentioned our continued support for the Help the Heroes Organisation.

Following the service, 45 hungry nurses found their way to the Wessex Restaurant and enjoyed a great barbeque. Our thanks to all the staff who made us all feel welcome and kept the drinks flowing! Sunday afternoon was then spent reminiscing and catching up on all the news before departing back to our various units. A big thank you to all those that attended and we look forward to meeting again next year. From all of us here at TMW, we hope the rest of the year brings healthy, happy times for both serving and retired members of the PMRAFNS and their families.

Cpl Jenny Ford