Saturday 23rd May
A rallying call!
From Mitch Sneddon
The Garden Party to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the building of The Royal Naval Hospital at Stonehouse is now only 5 weeks away. Confirmed numbers from ex staff who are attending are currently at the 50+ mark, somewhat lower than those who first registered interest when the event was announced by Anthony Lambert.
Can I ask those of you who intend to come to please forward your cheques etc. to Anthony Lambert via the Facebook page or contact him on saddadz@live.co.uk (for bank account details etc) or cheques by post to 8, Russell Ave, Plymouth, PL3 5RA. The closing date for responses is only 10 days away on May 1st.
For my sins, I’ve been co-opted onto the Millfields Fete Committee who are organising the event and I would like to emphasise that the Garden Party invitation including the evening buffet and drinks invite extended by the committee and in particular, Charles Howeson (Ex RN Captain and Millfields resident) to the former staff members, is in recognition of the vital role that we the staff played in RNH up to the closure in 1995.
The evening Buffet and drinks will be an event for Ex Hospital Staff members (inc ex RNH Haslar Staff if they wish to come) only and will be held in the former Geneva Club.
So for those of you, who like me, who have a hankering to turn back the clock and relive your youth for a couple of hours (within reason!) or just swing the lamp and catch up with old friends, then this is an ideal opportunity?
This event is a one off, never to be repeated in our lifetime and whilst I fully appreciate that Plymouth is an expensive and time consuming journey (not to mention accommodation costs etc.) for those who live up country especially for a 1 day event such as this. It would be a shame if personnel missed the event because they were not aware of it’s existence, especially those that live locally in Plymouth. Can I ask all you to spread the word to former staff members that you know?
The event has been sanctioned by Flag Officer Plymouth and it also has the backing of the First Sea Lord , Admiral Sir George Zambellas. Please note the Dress Code is “Edwardian Garden Party” or for those who wish to attend in rig “Naval Uniform that plus white trousers” (sanctioned by Flag Officer Plymouth for the day). If like me, your time in the mob was not exactly sprinkled with invites to Garden Parties or your uniform is long gone or your size / build has changed somewhat since you left the mob, then smart casual is the order of the day.
It struck me when attending the Organising Committee meetings that of the 350 potential other guests at the Garden Party, very few if any will have any idea what a Naval Nurse or Nursing Sister actually looks like. So a big ask of you all if I may, are there any Naval Nurses / Nursing Sisters out there who still has their ward rig or even number 1’s and would be prepared to wear it on the day. Part of the Garden party celebration are guided tours by one of the residents describing the hospital history and to have a number of Nurses and Sisters in ward dress would be a fantastic addition to the party. If some of you still have your ward rig or even parts of it and would be willing to loan it for the day to those staff members wishing to wear it on the day, I would be willing to coordinate the receipt of your uniform and ensure that it is returned to you upon completion. I already have the promise of a Nursing Sister’s uniform that can be worn on the day. As, I live in The Millfields (Former RNH Stonehouse), I can provide changing facilities for those who require it.
For those Male staff members who still have ward whites tucked away somewhere, I would be prepared to take the lead and wear them on the day also (but I’m definitely not getting into a NN uniform for anybody, especially if Judge is anywhere nearby!) So if you have a set of ward whites and are prepared to loan them out for the day, then I’d be happy to take receipt of them and return them to you upon completion.
Below, I’ve attached a formal program of events, it will not be one of those stuffy events that will bore you. As well as a bar, there are 18 to 20 stalls of various types to keep those attending amused as well as raising funds for various charities and included in your ticket is a donation of £5 towards the establishment of the memorial at the National Arboretum Staffordshire. Logistics support for the Garden Party is being provided by Flag Officer Plymouth in the form of tents, catering equipment, Royal Marine Manpower, Flag pole for beat the retreat and Ceremonial Sunset to carry out a repeat lowering of the recovered original white Ensign that was lowered on the day the Hospital closed in 1995. Music will be provided by a RN Marching Band. The Naval Regional Commander will take the salute.
Tickets are priced at £35 for current and ex service Medical Branch (This ticket will include access to Afternoon tea, the Cocktail party and evening buffet and drinks). For those that wish only to attend the Garden Party, Afternoon Tea and the Cocktail Party, tickets are available at £15 and can be requested via Anthony Lambert.
There will be a photographer on site to provide a memento of the day for those that require them, Additionally a special commemorative edition of The Millfielder magazine will be on sale.
A BBC Television News Team (Southwest) will be onsite I'm informed to record the event, so all in all it should be a special day.
Yours,
Mitch Sneddon
