The NHS Retirement Fellowship - still going strong after 30 years

04/06/2008

The NHS Retirement Fellowship has nearly 200 branches throughout the UK to help encourage members to pursue an exciting kaleidoscope of interests and activities, at the same time as providing many social events at which existing friendships are maintained and new ones formed.

 

Set up in 1978, it has three main objectives. 

 

• Firstly they aimed to provide a means of establishing and maintaining friendships and assisting overcoming loneliness and worry.

 

• Secondly, they intended to provide a visiting service to the housebound.

 

• And  finally, they wanted to enable former NHS staff, regardless of grade or discipline, to meet in a social and friendly atmosphere.

 

The branch that I represent, The Cardiff and District Branch, formed in 2006, closely mirrors those original objectives, as well as providing links with other branches, newsletters, annual conference and a study bursary.

 

The group meets monthly, with guest speakers covering a diverse range of topics, and with light refreshments provided, and a raffle to enjoy.

 

They also boast an active events diary, which has included in the past visits to Concorde and SS Great Britain, a  “Cruise” on the Brecon Canal, Aberglasney Gardens, a London Weekend and a trip to Ludlow Medieval Christmas Fayre.

 

Anyone is eligible to join who is aged 50 years or over, and who still works within or has retired from the NHS, including those who have worked / volunteered for a contracted service within the NHS. (Partners / spouses are also welcomed).

 

From a membership of 6 in March 2006, the group now has 78 members. If you would like further information on this branch please contact: Norman Bishop (Chairman) 029 20752237 or e-mail norman.bishop@sky.com  

 

To find out more about the Fellowship and where your nearest branch meets, click onto the website linked below.