Reunion for former St Francis Psychiatric Hospital staff

A '˜wonderful' group of former staff who worked at the St Francis Psychiatric Hospital got together for their ninth reunion.
By The Newsroom
Published 9th Oct 2018, 16:19 BST
Updated 9th Oct 2018, 16:19 BST
(From left) Jean Lacey, Dee Loving, Lisa Love, Gary Brigden, Glen Barba and Liz Hope(From left) Jean Lacey, Dee Loving, Lisa Love, Gary Brigden, Glen Barba and Liz Hope
(From left) Jean Lacey, Dee Loving, Lisa Love, Gary Brigden, Glen Barba and Liz Hope

Over one hundred people attended the event, on September 28, from the British Isles and abroad.

With the former hospital closing in 1995 the friends have met regularly over the intervening 21 years.

Those that attended said that it was the best ever.

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Joe Hughes, from Friends Secretary, said: ‘This is a really worthwhile exercise in keeping everyone in touch.

“The turnout and buzz on the night is an indication of the affection which the former staff have for the hospital and its services.

“The staff would also like to give special thanks to fellow committee members Jessica Appleford. Cathy Barnett, Sheila Curran and Gill Harrison.”

The staff were treated to a welcoming drink, and varied buffet prepared by chef Mario Barba and his staff. Background music came courtesy of Paul Barnett from Mid Downs Radio.

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Mr Hughes also conducted a walk and talk on the former hospital on the Saturday and this became a well attended end to the weekend and provided many fond working memories for those in attendance.

Staff eagerly awaited news of the next reunion which is already pencilled in for September 2021.