Page 51 - The Gazette Autumn 2023

conception in the late 1600s, up to the current day workings. We were surprised to discover that unlike a typical residential home, all those that can, still work. For some that means maintaining the gardens, guiding visitors, or working in the gift shop.
Even more shocking to learn, especially as we work in such a female heavy Corps, the first women Chelsea Pensioners only joined in 2009 (officially).
After an insightful morning which left many of us looking for job vacancies in the onsite Margret Thatcher Infirmary, we had a very quick turnaround. Racing back to our hotel, we made sure our No.2 dress was properly turned out before a brisk walk to St Paul’s Cathedral.
It was a first that the service was held at St Paul’s and not Westminster Abbey; however, the abbey was pre-occupied with other matters, namely the coronation of King Charles III.
The service commemorates the life and work of Florence Nightingale and provides an opportunity for nurses and midwives to
reflect on our roles and
rededicate ourselves to our passion. Afterwards, as with all events with defence nurses present, we took the opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new ones.
Day three we took the
London Underground to
Parliament. As you’d expect,
the security checks were as
rigorous as they are in an
airport. Once through security,
we entered Westminster Hall,
where we eagerly awaited
our tour to begin. The long history of the Hall was explained to us. We then began our tour of the House of Commons itself.
It had a sense of familiarity, as we so often see it on the news. We saw a few MPs staking claim to their seats for PMQs and went across to the Lords. The layout was the same as the Commons but the opulent finish to everything was striking. After the
Suddenly, we were all shushed and Speaker of the House, Lindsay Hoyle, was marched passed us.
tour we stood waiting in anticipation for PMQs. More and more people piled in, until we were all tightly packed, shoulder to shoulder. Suddenly, we were all shushed and Speaker of the House, Lindsay Hoyle, was marched passed us.
It became clear that Parliament shares a similar kind of pageantry and tradition also still used in the Armed Forces. After this we went up to the Serjeant at Arms’ Private Box to have a great view of the proceedings.
We saw Deputy Prime Minister and Shadow Deputy Prime Minister lock horns over the issues of the week. It was eye opening to see the passion in which MPs discussed issues that affect their constituents. After 30 minutes of fiery back and forth, PMQs came to an end and with that, so did our trip.
The group attending the trip ranged in rank, age, and levels of political interest however we all ended the trip feeling like we had learnt something new. Some even discovered a newfound curiosity for how decisions are made.
Politics aside, one thing we could all agree on by the end of the trip is that The Royal Hospital Chelsea would be a magnificent place to spend our golden years.
The Gazette QARANC Association 51