Jan Powell and Pam Walsh OBE organized a QBP at the charming Château de Bossey in the Canton of Vaud. Surrounded by parkland with splendid views towards Lake Léman and the mountains of the Haute-Savoie we were blessed with one of those idyllic balmy days that have been so rare this summer.
At the entrance to the château, we were greeted by Breton born Piper Mickael Thiec in magnificent Scottish Highland dress. More music followed with the Espérance string quartet entertaining us on the terrace as we were served with drinks and canapés whilst Jan and Pam did a welcoming double act.
Another highlight was the presence of a Second World War British Army ambulance in perfect working order which had been kindly provided by the Swiss Military Vehicle Conservation Group headed by Alain Cuendet. He and a fellow Group member were present at the QBP, both of them wearing WW II Army uniforms. The ambulance was identical to the one on which Princess Elizabeth trained as a mechanic during her wartime service with the Women’s Auxiliary Territorial Service.
Of course no QBP takes place without the Loyal Toast being proposed and this was undertaken by the BRA’s new Vice Chairman, Andrew Konecki, well known to all members as the Chairman of the Romandie East Region. A singing of “God Save the Queen” is always part of the proceedings. Accompanied by the Espérance, the powerful voice of opera singer, Kirsty Griffiths, led us in a heartfelt rendering of the National Anthem.
It was a memorable QBP after so many months of lockdown and warmest thanks go to our Co-Chairwomen for having relaunched us on a degree of normality.
Michael Type
