WELCOME TO NEWCASTLE BRANCH
Established in 1976.
Membership is at 74 members (Aug 25).
Our main base is in the wonderful City of Newcastle. Our meetings take place at Fenham Barracks with some of our social activities centred around the amazing, vibrant city of Newcastle as well as the beautiful Northeast region. The Northeast covers a wide geographical area therefore we have members as far afield as York, Cumbria, North Northumberland and North Yorkshire. Many of us are veterans of the former 201 Field Hospital but we are made up of serving and retired Regular and Reservist members.
Our aim is to uphold the Association Motto “Friendship”. We meet formally four times a year, but we also try to arrange other events for members to enjoy and guests are welcome. The branch ensures that people who have served in the QARANC can meet up with friends old and new, enjoy a catch up and share a bite to eat.
We have a variety of activities including guest speakers to give us a talk at our meetings, guided walks and we do enjoy having a laugh but more importantly, appreciating the company of great friends. We consider it vital to ensure that our members are included and heard, giving support and help when needed.
If you are interested in seeing what we do please contact us and be assured that you will receive a warm welcome.
Contact Details
Chair: Sharon McDowell -
qaanewcastlebranch@gmail.com
Secretary: Jean Charlton -
qaanewcastlesecretary@gmail.com
Treasurer: Karen Crammond - email withheld
Diary Dates
Wednesday 17 December 2025
Branch Committee Meeting
The Botanist
1245 - 1430 hrs
Saturday 10 January 2026
Branch Meeting
Fenham Barracks
1200 hrs
Shared activity with RAMC Association.
Guest speak: Dr Rachel Hawes, Consultant Anaesthetist PHEC
February Branch Committee Meeting
Details TBC
Saturday 21 March 2026
QARANC Corps Day Event
Meeting and a Meal
Landmark Restaurant
Details via Branch Committee
Saturday 20 June 2026
Branch 50th Anniversary Event
Details TBC
Wednesday 29 July 2026
Guided walk around Sunderland
Including New Bridge and SI Pie Ship (Hairy Bikers)
1100hrs
August Branch Committee Meeting
Details TBC
Saturday 8 August 2026
Guided walk around Jarrow
Commemorating 90 years since the Jarrow Crusade
1100 hrs
Saturday 12 September 2026
Branch AGM
Shared lunch with RAMC Association
1200 hrs
October 2026
Battlefield Tour
Details TBC
November Branch Committee Meeting
Details TBC
Friday 4 December 2026
Christmas Function
Dinner & Dance Newcastle Grand Hotel
Cost £45
Accommodation £70 (double), £60 (single)
Contact Bill Toy for details
bill_toy@hotmail.com