Page 26 - QARANC Vol 14 No 11 2015

24 QARANC THE GAZETTE
Florence Nightingale Memorial Service Westminster Abbey
On 6 May 15, 15 members of MDHU Frimley Park joined with nurses from all over the country, both civilian and military at Westminster Abbey to commemorate the life of Florence Nightingale.
We arrived at Westminster Abbey in our Service Dress; this was our photo opportunity as a group. As we were walking into Westminster Abbey some tourists decided they would like to have photos with some of us in uniform; Step forward WO1 Halligan who seemed to be the most willing to have pictures taken.
On entering the Abbey we were shown to our seats. We were then moved further forward and Pte McKenna was singled out to sit at the very front of the main aisle, sandwiched between The Royal Hospital Governor and DGAMS. The service started with a hymn and continued with various addresses and readings from dignitaries in attendance including; Sir Robert Francis, Patron of the
Florence Nightingale Foundation and DANS. During the service there were several processions; the Chelsea Pensioners, in memory of Nightingale’s care of the troops; the nurses roll of honour, carried by Sgt Middleton PMRAFNS and escorted by the three Matrons-in-Chief of the Armed forces and The Lamp, carried by Nightingale scholar Sam Foster and escorted by Student Nurses from Bangor, Cardiff and Swansea Universities. The lamp, on arrival at the altar was passed from one Nightingale scholar to another to represent the transition of knowledge between nurses.
The service ended with everyone leaving with the Bells of the Abbey ringing and more photographs. All who attended enjoyed this special occasion; a chance to reflect, a chance to remember, a chance to look forward. Cpl Rich de Lacy RN(A)
MDHU Frimley Park