Des Mason with Elizabeth Roberts at
our Millennium celebration
Edna Wightman our present Chairman
for the past fourteen years
To provide a financial base for
the new branch, the Bexley
Health District donated a sum of
two hundred pounds from their
free monies fund. The cheque
being presented to the branch
committee at a meeting held on
28th February 1989 in the staff
social club by Mr Stephen Ingle
Assistant District Personnel
Officer Sidney Dunmall receiving cheque from
Stephen Ingle.
This year in October we celebrate our twentieth birthday and the editorial team
felt we needed to produce an addition to the Newsletter to show what The Bexley
& District Branch have achieved in that time.
An inaugural meeting was held in the Friends Retreat at Bexley Hospital in August
1988 when Mrs Elizabeth Roberts our representative of the South East Thames
Region, gave an inspirational speech to encourage the formation of the Bexley
branch. The meeting, which consisted of about 25 retired NHS staff members
decided to accept the challenge and a steering committee was set up under the
chairmanship of the late Des Mason.
At the next meeting in October the late Sidney Dunmall ( Hospital Administrator at
Bexley hospital ) was elected Chairman, the post which he held for six years, before
handing over to our present Chairman Edna Wightman. Subsequent meetings were
held in the staff social club, and this venue has continued until the present day.
1988
2008
BEXLEY AND DISTRICT NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE RETIREMENT FELLOWSHIP
The social committee team commencing with Des Mason and followed by Terry
Fountain, Edna Wightman, Jo Dunmall Peggy Cole, and more recently Margaret
Scott and Paula Inness have arranged our speakers, outings, Christmas lunches and
also our Millennium party which now continues as our annual New Year party. These
events have been overseen by our present Chairman Edna Wightman which has
given our members much pleasure, enjoyment and fellowship.
In June 2005 thirty three members went on the first branch holiday to the St
Brannocks hotel at Newquay. This was arranged by Edna Wightman, who has since
arranged holidays to Southport, Shanklin (Isle of Wight), and this year to
Llandrindod Wells.
Newquay 2005 Southport 2006
The outings have always been a major feature of our branch with normally up to six
a year. These have taken us to many places of interest around the South East of
England, and also once a year over to France. We have also had special outings to
Thursford and Turner’s Christmas shows.
Branch Holidays
Outings
First outing to Lambeth Palace 1991 Outing to St Omer in France 2004
Social Activities
Rambles
The rambling group has always been a well supported activity with an average of 15
to 25 people on each walk. The programme of monthly spring/summer/autumn walks
including a post Christmas walk, has taken place covering a wide area of the Kent
countryside.
Ramble at Trosley country park in 2000 End of Tom’s walk lunch in the garden
Town Walks
In 2003 Eileen Russell now in New
Zealand organised our first “Town Walk”
These walks were initially for those
members who were unable to manage
the longer rambles, and are popular with
members. The walks are now arranged
by Pat Chandler and Mollie Matthews
One of the first town walks in 2003
There are a number of areas where we do not have photographs e.g. branch
meetings, speakers, AGM, and summer social in August. In the early days we also
had monthly tea dances.
Our welfare officer Marjorie Maxey keeps in touch with members who are not well
by sending cards, besides speaking on the telephone and occasional visits.
The executive committee in their various roles work together in bringing to the
members a varied and interesting programme throughout the year.
We also have helpers with tea making, raffles, and others who give a hand as
necessary. The generosity of members in giving time, supporting the raffle and
giving prizes has all contributed in making the branch what it is.
X-MAS TURNER’S 2001 MONTACUTE HOUSE APRIL 1996
CONFERENCE 2000 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AT WORK MEETING PLACE CLUBHOUSE BEXLEY
OUTING TO BLUEBELL RAILWAY 2007
10th ANNIVERSARY CAKE
ONE OF TOM’S HOLIDAYS IN THE 90’S
PETER SELBY
X-MAS LUNCH AT QUEEN MARY’S HOSP 1998
RAMBLERS BADGE
NEW YEAR PARTY DANCE
EILEEN RUSSELL FAREWELL
BRANCH HOLIDAY LLANDRINDOD WELLS 2008
NEW YEAR PARTY DANCE 10th ANNIVERSARY
I trust you
have enjoyed
this special
edition
Editor.