Page 17 - QARANC Vol 14 No 6 2013

THE GAZETTE QARANC 15
Royal Hospital Chelsea
In 2009, I watched an interesting programme about the introduction of ladies to the Royal Hospital Chelsea (RHC). It was a revelation to me and it made me consider my own life.
I had been on my own for many years, at 65 years old I was secure in my own house but bored and often lonely. So I printed off the application form from the RHC website and sent it off. It wasn’t too long before I received a reply inviting me to stay at RHC for four days. This period of four days was to see if it was what I really wanted to do and for them to asses me. I attended a few interviews and met many of the pensioners who made me most welcome.
It was explained to me that I would forfeit my army pension and as it was small I would need to make up the shortfall, which was no problem for me. At the end of my stay I was informed that I had been accepted.
I waited two years before I moved in. I wanted to be sure and there was a lot to sort out. I arrived in October 2011 and have had no regrets. I have my own room with an ensuite bathroom.
You can get involved just as much as you want here. There are lots to do. We have classes for Photography, Carpentry, Art and Music. There are lectures and film nights. The RHC Club puts on varied entertainments, bingo, whist dances and dinners. We are invited on trips, functions and special occasions (Florence Nightingale Service, Not Forgotten Association Garden Party to name but a few). Our ‘Scarlet’ uniforms are made welcome wherever we go. There are paid jobs for pensioners within RHC; one of our ladies is employed as a Church Warden. I myself attend an allotment.
In 2012 on Founders Day Parade I had the honour of being presented to HRH The Countess of Wessex. We al enjoyed the Jubilee celebrations. I was chosen to take part in the Olympic Ceremony. We had many rehearsals. I met Danny Boyle and the great youngsters who had volunteered. The actual performance was incredibly exciting. I was proud to be marching with the pensioners. I have also attended the Albert Hall Remembrance Service and the March Past at the Cenotaph.
Now I look forward to the future and consider myself very fortunate to be here.
In Pensioner Barbara Whilds
QARANC 70 -78
discussed the distribution of the collection of the data from NATO counties on suicide prevention for the final report. I was able to lead with my white paper on practical recommendations for suicide prevention and interventions; the other paper I had co-written on Role of leadership in suicide prevention was accepted. I will be starting to write my section of the final report on suicide prevention in the military shortly. One of the challenges of taking on this role relates to the mix of NATO groups, what one expects to take a short period of time can often take far longer due to the mixture of languages within NATO. Some things don’t translate well into English when presenting to this small group on Suicide Prevention. Trying to find commonality in language is a challenge but also fun and hard work.
In the next year I will have two more meetings to attend and then finally in 2014 the RTG are hoping to visit the UK to conclude our work. The role thus far has been challenging and rewarding. I would strongly advise anyone who has an opportunity to be part of a NATO working group to jump at the chance it will broaden your horizons and give a greater knowledge of issues across NATO, it is well worth the hard work.
Capt Corinna Conley DCMH Manager NI