My Life as a Scarlet Man (Ray Pearson)

Wed, Apr 3rd 2019 at 8:30 pm - 10:30 pm

Speaker's Friend: TBA
Vote of Thanks: TBA


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My Life as a Scarlet Man (Ray Pearson)

Ray was resplendent in the bright scarlet (not red!) jacket of the Chelsea Pensioners. So that cleared up one thing. It is of course  an iconic appearance and an image of British life to this day. 

He soon explained the history of the Royal Hospital at Chelsea, on the banks of the Thames and the home of the Chelsea Pensioners. The building was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and built by King Charles 11 in 1652. It now houses around 300 army veterans, many of whom may have served in Korea, the Falklands, Cyprus, Northern Ireland or World War 2. The average age is 82 and the oldest is Joe who is 102.  

The pensioners live in a sheltered housing environment, are self caring , able to live independently without nursing care. Access to onsite therapy services, as well as a full programme of activities is available to all. Leisure  pursuits include singing, bingo, gardening, orchestra, dancing, art, drawing, painting, and jewellery making. The library has 8500 books and 1500 dvds. 

There has been an extreme costly programme of improvements, transforming the original ‘bunk’ rooms with no windows off a very long corridor to en suite modern rooms.   

As well as the main building there is the Margaret Thatcher Infirmary which has 125 beds. 

Apart from all these facts Ray explained that he thoroughly enjoys living there. There are rules governing the wearing of the uniform and the Hospital is a focus for many invitations. He had appeared at the Remembrance Day celebration at the Royal Albert Hall – the stairs are treacherous – and had marched at the Remembrance Day Service itself. 

This was a fascinating talk from a great guy on a great British institution.

Paul Rosewell  

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