Some members enjoying an outing to Devon. 

Di was elected as Chairman at the 2009 AGM.  She is well organised, has great sensitivity and a good sense of humour.  Originally a Devon maid, brought up in the wealth of rolling countryside in a Saxon village, which nestles in the hills of Mid-Devon, in the idyllic Exe Valley, but she migrated to Cheltenham many moons ago. Her interests include socialising, supporting friends, world travel, languages, British dialects, gardening and last but not least, she cares passionately about her Burmese cats, moggy and tortoises.

Anne came to Cheltenham from Cornwall in 1971, where she nursed at Cheltenham General Hospital.  Since retiring from the NHS she has kept herself busy with her project in Ethiopia which helps provide healthcare, school bus etc.  She also helps on an Alpha Course, and works within a medical team at a Christian Camp for 12,000 people.  Anne also welcomes the recent arrival of a grandson and time permitting enjoys gardening, theatre and walking.

Anne enjoyed her nurse training in Worcester, qualifying in 1963.  She eventually came to Cheltenham in 1967 where she became Junior Sister on Ward 7 (as it was then).  From then until her retirement she undertook various roles - Senior Sister Ward 7, Night Sister (following her sons birth), Specialties Nurse Manager, Bed Manager, Bank Nurse Manager and Nurse Recruitment.  Since retiring in 2003 Anne joined the NHSRF and she has now been Branch Secretary for over 3 years.  Her role is to update members on information sent from Head Office and ensure that minutes are taken at all monthly meetings including the AGM. She also, together with other Committee members, attends the Regional meetings when held in Bristol and Gloucester.She enjoys immensely the social aspect of her role and looks forward to the monthly get togethers.  Gardening, tapestry, crochet and wine making, are among some of Annes varied interests.   She also enjoys her many visits to Scotland, with her husband Peter.   

Helen, besides helping Anne, and often helping out on the 'Social' side, is a keen photographer and has captured many of our parties and trips with her camera. She is also a very keen cyclist, and Helen and her bike are rarely parted.   Since retiring from the NHS Helen returned as a volunteer, helping to man the Enquiry Desk at Cheltenham General Hospital.

Joan keeps our accounts in order and receives our new members.  She gives monthly feedback to the Committee on how the Branch is doing financially and ensures that the accounts are correct and that our members are informed of our financial position at the end of the financial year.  Joan also enjoys attending National Conference often being our lone representative.  Alison is Joans deputy.     

Pats Speech Therapy career began at the West Middlesex Hospital, but following her move from London in the late 60's she joined the Gloucestershire Speech Therapy Service.  After working in many areas of the County, Pat ended her career as Head of Speech and Language Therapy for the East Glos NHS Trust based in Cheltenham.  Since retiring Pat enjoys time with her husband and family, including her six grandchildren, who keep her on her toes.  She enjoys arranging our varied social programme, ranging from wonderful walks and pub lunches to trips to the theatre, bar-b-ques, and well arranged day trips.  She also gives much thought to our less mobile members when arranging these events.

Val has been retired for 18 months, following 20 years working as a Secretary at Cheltenham General Hospital.  When Val isn't helping Pat with her post as Social Secretary, she enjoys cycling, walking, gardening and touring with her husband Alan in their motorhome, and visiting places the fellowship group might also like to visit.  Val enjoys meeting up with friends and colleagues at the monthly meetings. 

Val is our new Recruitment officer taking over from Anne G. Her main role is providing talks about the Fellowship when invited to Pre - Retirement Courses, and reporting back to the Committee following these talks.  Val retired from her Ward Manager post in 2006, she started her nurse training at the QE Hospital, Birmingham in 1964 and joined the nursing team at CGH in December 1974.  Two days a week she works as a staff nurse in the Oncology Outpatients at CGH.  Prior to joining the fellowship she was well briefed by her sister in law Morag, who whetted her appetite with tales of entertaining and amusing speakers and enjoyable day trips.  She has been a member since January 2007 having been a guest at the Christmas Party in December 2006.  Retirement has given her the opportunity to enjoy her home and garden.  She also spends 2 or 3 days a week swimming, excercising and relaxing at her local health club.  The fellowship meetings are the ideal times to meet up with friends and colleagues.  They are a very enjoyable way of socialising.     

Anne is the Speakers Programme Coordinator. The Annual programme of monthly speakers has a variety of talks, from the more serious to those who are thoroughly entertaining. For example we have had the National Farmers Union to talk on why 'Dairy Farming Matters' to 'My Gran was a Gypsy'.  We aim to provide topics to cover a wide variety of interests. Members are encouraged to make suggestions on speakers they would like included in the Annual programme.  Also incuded is the Annual Christmas Tea Party.

We have 2 new Committee members, namely Wendy and Lin. They were both nominated and accepted their posts at the AGM held in May. 

• Wendy is Chairman of the local MS Branch which involves a lot of organising and time.  She plays percussion (mainly the Bass Drum) in the Gloucstershire Police Band.  In fact she plays anything that makes a noise!!! She is involved with the Church and spends a lot of time looking after the aged and infirm.  Her favourite hobby is walking her lovely retriever and she can be found in all winds and weathers trudging the many footpaths in and around Cheltenham.
• Lin has spent most of her nursing career in womens health in Cheltenham.  She is a recent member of the branch and enjoys walking, keep-fit, sodoku, cycling, socialising, concerts, theatre visits and is also very keen on travelling.

In addition to the above committee, several of our members are here to ensure that your visit to our monthly meetings run smoothly:-

• You will receive a warm reception from Sylvia who registers every member at each visit. You also pay her your 50p entrance fee.
• Mary will provide you with a raffle ticket for the monthly raffle.
• Betty shops for the raffle prizes.
• Our 'Bring and Buy', takes place every three months and is very competently organised by Jo.
• Our 'Tea Team' consists of  Brenda, June, Pat and Sheila.
• Our Welfare Team consist of Morag and Rosemary who visit our sick and infirm members.