History of the Branch

By Nancy Jones

The Warrington Branch of the Health Service Retirement Fellowship was formed about 24 years ago.

Two years later the Branch became affiliated to the National Health Service Retirement Fellowship and subsequently had charity status.

The Fellowship was (and still is) open to all retired Health Service personnel. Their spouses, partners and friends were entitled to Associate Membership.

Originally the meetings were held in what was then known as the Nurses Home, later renamed Thelwall House. The meetings were held there on the last Tuesday of each month for many years. When the building was refurbished meetings were held at Winwick Hospital. During this time membership dropped almost by half, but since we moved back to the present Post Graduate Centre numbers have improved to the flourishing branch that we have today.

Of the founder members, Bill and Irene Templeton are still members.

The founding officers of the branch were:

President: Dr G. Gornall, a retired Warrington General Practitioner.
Chairman: Bill Lowe, retired Supplies Manager. Bill left the Fellowship when he emigrated to Canada.
Secretary: Mrs Ivy Clark (nee Clare).
Treasurer: Amy Adey.
Welfare Secretary: Irene Templeton

The original committee were believed to be Jack Dawson, James Dodwell, Florence Culshaw, Thelma Dogwell, and Dorothy Porter.

Later Florence Culshaw became Secretary, and then Nancy Jones took over 13 years ago.

The Fellowship has grown very much over the years enabling members to meet each month with colleagues and friends.

Bill Templeton formed an Art Group which was very successful and was only disbanded a couple of years ago.

The Present

We have a current membership of around 80 members and associate members who enjoy the activities the Branch has to offer:

Monthly trips.
Speakers.
Bring and Buy sales.
Garden Parties.
Bingo.
Quizzes.
Strollers Group.

The Branch thrives and it is supported by a very hard working committee and enthusiastic members.

The Current Committee

President: Nancy Joans.
Chairman: Sheila Craggs.
Secretary: Margaret Reeves.
Treasurer: Peter Mildenhall.
Social Secretary (Trips): Margery Richardson.
Social Secretary (Speakers): Wendy Luker.
Welfare Secretary: Joan Corbett.
Committee Members: John Wright, Diane Wright, Priscilla Mildenhall, John Richardson, Barbara Bird, Margaret Stephens, Judith Llewellyn, Angela Genge.

Working Party

By Sheila Craggs

The Working Party was set up in order to take the Warrington Branch forward, and it has looked at issues such as campaigning, recruitmewnt and events.

Submission of Motions

The first and immediate assignment of the Working Party was to prepare and submit motions to the Fellowship National Conference and AGN in July 2004.

We were successful in having three motions accepted. Angela Genge and Rita Scott attended the AGM to present the motions, which were:

Provision of free TV Licence for all aged 65 years and older.
To restore Index Linked Pensions:
1. State Pensions to be linked to average earnings
2. NHS Superannuation to be linked to professional pay.
Provision of sufficient leg room to prevent DVT in all seating areas.

Pre–Retirement Courses

The Working Party has become organised to give presentations to Hospital and PCT Pre–Retirement Courses. They show videos and distribute magazines and flyovers.

Disability Awareness Day (D.A.D.)

We have been successful in fundraising at this well regarded event in both 2004 and 2005. In 2005 some members took part in the Sponsored Walk during the D.A.D. at Walton Hall. This was anvery enjoyable and successful fundraiser.

Members of the Working Party

Chairman: Sheila Craggs
Working Group Members: Angela Genge, Rita Scott, Judith Llewellyn, Barbara Lynskey, Eileen Bostock, Linda Skelhorne.