Christmas Memories

On my first Christmas Day in the Army (1989) I had an experience that resembled that of BBC programme, The Vicar of Dibley, when the village vicar was invited to so many lunches that she almost burst.  

I was the Theatre Sister on call at the Queen Elizabeth Military Hospital, Woolwich. After a busy Christmas Eve we had no cases booked on Christmas Day. It was customary for staff with no patients to look after to visit the wards. During the morning I strolled around the wards, mingled with patients and staff and enjoyed the odd mince pie or two. As lunch arrived, despite my protestations that I was having lunch later, one of the ward sisters insisted that I join staff and patients to share the feast. The Army chefs as usual exceeded themselves to make Christmas for those in hospital as enjoyable as possible. I duly joined in, helping myself to the smallest portions I could get away with.

 
On leaving the ward I made my way to Matron's married quarter for a pre-arranged invitation for the living in nurses. I was expecting this gathering to be drinks and snacks but was horrified when a chef turned up with a hostess trolley and proceeded to serve up a full lunch! Again, I attempted to eat as little as was politely acceptable. 

Luckily there was a short interlude before the next intake of food. A group of six of us had planned a late Christmas lunch in one of our flats in the Woolwich Officers Mess for a couple of nurses who were on night duty. This was a full on three course event followed by stilton cheese and port. 

You might think that was as much festive food as anyone could partake of in one day, but no, that evening we were invited to the Commanding Officer's quarters for drinks, games and, you guessed it, more food. I was willing my bleep to go off and save me!

Vast amounts of food aside, the day was memorable for the team work, camaraderie and warmth that was extended to everyone, be they patients or staff, who may not have been spending the Christmas period how they would have chosen.

Moira Dixson (née Horsfall) 

A favourite Christmas memory from my Army nursing days was when I was doing a post-registration course at the Hospital for Sick Children, Great Ormond Street, 1972. On Christmas Eve, a group of us walked from the hospital to St Martin in the Fields for the Midnight Communion service. A cold night, but with pride we walked in our uniforms with our long capes worn inside out with the scarlet lining on show. At the service it was lovely to see other hospitals represented in the same way. A joyful start to Christmas!

Katherine Varden (née Annett)  

1989 and I was selected to attend the Carol Service at the Guards Chapel London, for a televised BBC Songs of Praise. I love singing but have to confess I haven't got a great voice, so thank goodness we didn't have to audition. My family recorded the BBC programme and the camera did rest on my face for a while, so I obviously looked the part! I did feel very proud in my uniform.  We were treated like special guests.

Jan Westbury