On Friday 28th July, nine member of the 9 Region IPA were guests at the Royal Chelsea Hospital, home of the famous Chelsea Pensioners.
With the hospital rarely opening its doors to the public it was a privilege to gain an insight into the workings of the hospital and the daily life of its residents.
Our kind host Bert, a resident pensioner at the hospital gave us an in-depth two hour tour of the hospital grounds it’s out buildings and some of its historical residents. The tour included a look around the famous chapel where Margaret Thatcher attended service every Sunday with her husband up until her death.
Further to the chapel, members were taken to the famous mess hall or dining room at the hospital which caters for approx 500 of its residents and staff three times a day. Inside members were able to see commemorative plaques honouring every battle the UK forces have been involved in since the opening of the hospital some 350 years ago!
The tour ended with members accompanying Bert and other Chelsea Pensioners in the residential bar for a few pints of very reasonably priced beer and some stories of old times.
Thank you to the Royal Chelsea Hospital and its residents for hosting such a fantastic event and making us feel so welcome.
Ryan Fitt, 9 Region, London North (of the Thames)
