Page 17 - QARANC Vol 14 No 9 2014

Florence Nightingale is undoubtedly the most famous nurse in history. She is celebrated as the founder of modern nursing and remembered as the Lady with the Lamp, for her tireless work caring for injured soldiers during the Crimean War in 1854. Through her work during the Crimean War, and as founder of the first ever school of nursing in 1860, Florence Nightingale helped to transform nursing into a highly respected profession. I think I can speak for all nurses when I say that she is truly an inspirational figure and, to this day, serves as a role model for all nurses.
You couldn’t imagine my delight then, when I and Pte Liam Ellis, both military nursing students at the Defence School of Healthcare Education in Birmingham, were invited to attend a commemoration service on the 11 May 2014 in Hampshire, to celebrate Florence Nightingale’s life and achievements.
We left Birmingham early in the morning to begin our journey to East Wellow. It is here where Florence Nightingale spent many years of her childhood and at the parish Church of St. Margaret of Antioch, where the service was being held, that she was buried, following her death in 1910.
On arrival at the Church and after a warm welcome, we were promptly shown to our seats, amongst guests including Colonel Bates ARRC, Director Army Nursing Services, Colonel Bush, Colonel Commandant, WO1 (CRSM) Martin and Heather Duncombe, Regimental Secretary.
The service was a lovely tribute to the life and work of Florence Nightingale.
Plenty of hymns were sung and readings were given by guests including Mrs Caroline Nokes, a local MP and Mrs Emma-Kate Henry, the Principal of Hampshire Collegiate School, whilst Professor Michael Wheeler, a Professor of English at Southampton University, drew our attention to Florence Nightingale’s legacy as a passionate statistician and someone who was able to influence the government to bring about important health reforms through her many published reports. My role during the service was to carry a lighted candle, symbolic of Florence Nightingale’s life, to the altar, before a short prayer was said paying thanks to her and all nurses today.
After the service the congregation, made up of both military and civilian
personnel, left the church for prayers at the memorial. After a wet and windy start, the heavens were now on our side and a wreath was laid by Florence Nightingale’s grave in the glorious sunshine.
The service was followed by an amazing buffet lunch in which the congregation could enjoy brilliant food and a chance to catch up with friends and acquaintances.
Overall it seemed that the day was a brilliant success and I hope I have the pleasure of returning one day.
Pte Gemma Probert
BSc Student Nurse
Defence School Healthcare Education
THE GAZETTE QARANC 15
Florence Nightingale
Commemorative Service (East
Wellow 11 May 14)
SEARCHLINE Ann Jones
I am trying to contact a former member of QARANC. Her name is. Ann Jones She served at BMH Munster 1963-65. I believe she married a Michael Taylor in 1966.
If anyone can help me with this search please email me emwi64@talktalk.net
Thank you in anticipation, Rev Bill Irving
Major Mary Pettegree
I am trying to find my godmother as we lost contact many years ago when I moved house. Despite my past efforts which were unsuccessful, I am hoping that someone may know of her whereabouts, so I can make contact again. Her Service number was 444900. She served overseas in Germany and Singapore and also with the Royal Family. I believe she was born in 1927 and had family in Crick, Northamptonshire. I would very much appreciate any information. Thank you.
Sandra Pattenden sandrapattenden@icloud.com