First Women in Scarlets
Mrs Dorothy Hughes (85) and Miss Winifred Phillips (82), the first women to become In-Pensioners, were welcomed to the Hospital by the Governor, General the Lord Walker GCB CMG CBE DL, Adjutant Brigadier David Radcliffe OBE, as well as some of the current In-Pensioners, on the 12th of March.
Winifred and Dorothy accompanied by fellow In-Pensioners on their
first day in scarlets.
Winifred Phillips trained and qualified as a nurse before joining the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) in 1948. She enlisted into the Women's Royal Army Corps (WRAC) in 1949 whilst serving in Egypt. She completed 22 years' service with the Colours and retired in 1971 in the rank of Warrant Officer Class 2.
Dorothy Hughes joined the ATS in 1941 and was subsequently posted to 450 Heavy Anti Aircraft Battery in the London Division. In 1945 the Battery was deployed near Dover to defend against V1 rocket attacks. Dorothy later worked with the Army Operational Research Group developing fuses in shells used against V2 rockets and was discharged from the Army in 1946 in the rank of sergeant. After the war, Dorothy worked as a secretary before training as a teacher and eventually retiring in 1982. Dorothy says: "Everyone has been extremely kind and welcoming and I am very excited about the prospect of my new life at the Royal Hospital Chelsea."
Click here to read an article that was published in the Telegraph on the first women In-Pensioners.
David Cameron Canvasses the RHC
Conservative Leader David Cameron recently paid a visit to the Royal Hospital Chelsea to meet some of it's famous residents. Following a stormy Prime Minister's Question Time, Mr Cameron took time to relax and chat with a group of enthusiastic Chelsea Pensioners. Before departing he declared how much he enjoyed meeting the In-Pensioners and described the Royal Hospital as a place of 'paradise'.
Appeal Newsletter
Newsletter 10 is now available online here.
Newsletter 9 is still available to download here.
Running For The Appeal
A team of runners set off to raise money for the Chelsea Pensioners' Appeal in the 2008 British 10K London Run. Seven runners braved the wet and windy conditions and all completed the run, posting respectable finishing times. They were met before the race by In-Pensioners Colin Banks and Michael Allen who rose early to lend their support. Congratulations must go to all who took part and to everyone who kindly sponsored and supported the runners.
Princess Royal reviews Founder's Day
HRH The Princess Royal paid a visit to the Royal Hospital Chelsea to mark the annual Founder's Day, held to commemorate the Hospital's founding in 1682 by King Charles II. It was the fourth time Princess Anne has reviewed the Chelsea Pensioners as they paraded and lined up for inspection in their traditional Scarlet jackets and Tricorne hats. Baroness Thatcher and former prime minster John Major were also in attendance to hear HRH The Princess Royal pay tribute to the ranks of veteran soldiers and staff of the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
Governor of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, General the Lord Walker said of the occasion: "It was a splendid day - blessed with fine weather. I thought the day was quite brilliant and everyone I have spoken to expressed similar sentiments."
Princess Alexandra launches Paradise Found
H.R.H Princess Alexandra officially launched the Royal Hospital Chelsea's latest fundraising initiative during a champagne reception held in the State Apartments. Guests at the reception, including sponsors and contributors, gathered to witness Princess Alexandra officially launch Paradise Found: Journey's Through Noble Gardens of Asia, an art form coffee table book, showcasing 40 of the most beautiful and enduring gardens in Asia. The project is the brainchild of publisher Joan Foo Mahony who organised, compiled and published the book.
Filled with stunning photographs of Asia's most historical, architectural and horticultural treasures, the book also contains essays from over 40 contributors including Elizabeth Hurley, George Alagiah, Jimmy Choo and Sir David Tang and contains a foreword by H.R.H The Prince of Wales. All proceeds from the sale of the book will go to the Chelsea Pensioners' Appeal.
Paradise Found: Journey's Through Noble Gardens of Asia can be ordered online from www.marebay.com.
Paradise Found On Sale at the Chelsea Flower Show
A new fundraising initiative was launched at last year's Chelsea Flower Show. Paradise Found: Journey's Through Noble Gardens Of Asia is a charity driven project, in aid of the Chelsea Pensioners' Appeal and was on sale during the Chelsea Flower Show 09 and is available to buy online at www.marebay.com.
Chaplain Crosses The Finish Line
Congratulations to the Royal Hospital Chaplain, Dick Whittington, who successfully completed the London Marathon with a time of 3 hours and 58 minutes. Dick has crowned this tremendous achievement by raising over £40,000 for the Chelsea Pensioners' Appeal.
Infirmary named in honour of Lady Thatcher
Lady Thatcher was welcomed by a group of Chelsea Pensioners, to celebrate the naming of the new Infirmary. In recognition of her close ties and longstanding support of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, the new Infirmary will officially be known as 'The Margaret Thatcher Infirmary'.
Margaret Thatcher poses with In-Pensioners John Ley, David Poultney, John Walker and Charles McLaughlin - 14th February 2008