AGM 2011
Miss Campbell was delighted that the President Aubrey Rose CBE was able to be in attendance. The guest speaker was Miss Kate Shawcross, Borough Archivist, and Local Study Manager at the London Borough of Sutton. Miss Campbell welcomed all present.

Apologies
Members are scattered all over the world and most executive members have to travel a long distance to the RBNA premises. Apologies were named and listed.

Financial Accounts
There was a lot of difficulty dealing with Barclays Bank pic; mainly because the business managers were situated in Chelsea and Birmingham and were not able to visit or help us in a timely fashion and we suffered a lot of delay in getting responses. Through Barclays Regional Managers, we requested the RBNA banking be transferred to the local Sutton branch where we could seek immediate advice and also claimed some form of financial compensation for the 2 years of inconvenience suffered. This they honoured and now the Business relationship between Barclays and the RBNA has much improved.

2011 Accounts accepted as presented
The accounts were prepared by Chris Hopkins, Park Accountants, 1 Approach Road, Raynes Park, London SW20 and they were reappointed to do the accounts for the coming year.

Donations were collected for the Mary Seacole statue and a cheque has been prepared towards the cost of erecting her statue in London.

Election of Officers
Dr Stephanie Kirby resigned as Co-ordinator (and unfortunately Dr Kirby passed away end of 2011). Miss Johns nominated Zahra Tondkar Balaei as Co� ordinator and motion was carried. All officers were re-elected.

Coutts & Co. and Black Rock
Looks after the RBNA investments and does the buying and selling of shares for The Trained Nurses Annuity Fund (Charity No. 209883), Ethel Mary Fletcher Fund for Nurses (Charity No. 209887) and the Helena Benevolent Fund (Charity No. 209885).

Charity Commission
The auditors' accounts are sent once a year to the Charity Commission and a representative from Coutts & Co meets and advises the Executive Members on how the portfolio has progressed. It was interesting to note a School Association had some problem with the Charity Commission in connection with their record keeping and the judge favoured the School Association, stating that in future the Charity Commission should set out its requirements more clearly.

RBNA Archives
For easy access and safe keeping the contents of the RBNA Archives is deposited at Kings College at the Strand where researchers are able to visit. The archivists also handle referrals from the RBNA by email. The Archives are visited by many people and the statistics below relate to the use of RBNA material from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2011.

• Number of written research enquiries using RBNA archives: 29
• Number of visits to view RBNA archives: 42
• Use of RBNA material in publication: 1
  (Photograph reference RBNA P194/1, used in Tracing Your Service Women Ancestors by Mary Ingham, published by Pen & Sword.

Invitation
From time to time, the RBNA receives invitations....one to attend Her Majesty's Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. Others are from the General Medical Council to attend a seminar on the effect of Aspirin and its cost effectiveness, the National Health Service Conference and the Charity conference for Fund raising, and War Museum on Nurses - World War I and II.

Emails Received
Emails were received from Ken Ross, General Hospital Brighton, proposing his petition be signed by the RBNA. His belief is that a debate should take place in Parliament to show that modern�training of nurses as a degree course at a university does not provide sufficient practical experience in the care of patients. This infers that because nurses are spending time on their education, they have less time to spend on the wards. In response I would suggest to Ken Ross that he should spend some time visiting the RBNA Archives at Kings College in the Strand. In highlighting the role of the third President of the RBNA in promoting education and the high standard of care and honouring Miss Mary Smallwood Cochrane RRC SRN.

A profile of Miss Mary Smallwood CochraneRRC SRN
Third President of the Royal British Nurses' Association

Honouring and remembering the Third President of The Royal British Nurses Association for her values, caring, and dedication, care of the sick and promoting education. She was awarded The Royal Red Cross by King George V in recognition of her work during the war in 1912. As Matron of Charing Cross Hospital, she achieved significant progress in care of patients and in education.  She saw that loving and comforting tender care was given to all patients.

'Training of Nurses'
At that period Nurse's training consisted of four years. Hours of duty were 52 hours per week, having only a half day off. Miss Cochrane persuaded the Board of Governors that nurses should have a whole day off. She was an active member of the National Council and International Council for Nurses. In 1923 she formed the League of Nurses for Charing Cross Hospital. She also wrote a book on Nursing. The motto being serves God and be cheerful. She died in 1965. In her memory, a scholarship h,as been set up for the best Care Nurse Manager at Charing Cross Hospital. If today nurses could remain more dedicated, more caring, giving service to others and be more cheerful and less demanding then there might not be so many problems. Care and dedication are most important.

The RBNA maintains its aims and objectives and continues to promote nurses' training and education. It upholds the professional standard of care and the value of the nursing profession.

Response to Dr Joanne Clinton, Nursing Shortage Campaign
In response to current criticism and email petitions for strike action regarding shortage of nurses and low pay. Firstly there will always be a shortage of nurses due to a lack of education, sickness and pregnancy, which does not allow them to complete the full course. Then, even when they complete the course, they often go abroad to work in USA, Canada, Australia for better pay with a few dedicated leaving to work in underdeveloped countries. Lastly, he days when qualified nurses signed a contract to work for one year on the ward, nurses had a duty of care working either in the community or in the hospital - after working for one year in training school you were reduced to a student nurses' pay if doing another course. All nurses in their duty of care should never forget basic hygiene because of their academic training; this should not be left to the ancillary health care to do.

What would be the response if, at a national and international level, those of us whose pension is based on long hours and low pay should seek compensation to survive in today's economic climate.

Miss Campbell was a delegate from Camden-Islington at the International Confederation of Midwives 18th International Congress held in 1978 in Israel. Spain and Brazil joined the Union of Midwives and made a motion that at an international level all Midwives should strike to oppose the motion. On the platform, Miss Campbell said

"This is Jerusalem the holy city. Our Lord was born in a manger - babies (if it's a normal birth), will come into this world at no given time and with no one in attendance. So what would be the hours of duty for strike action? I hereby move that on NO ACCOUNT midwives should ever strike"- motion was carried.

I was not aware that the professional press of the Nursing Standard was recording the event. It is indeed'rather painful to see the conduct of caring professionals behaving like they do nowadays because of low pay. This is why I feel the RBNA should not sign any petition to strike.

Presented by Miss H.M. Campbell SRN SCM, Vice President

Also special thanks to the following:
Miss Zahra Tondkar Balaie for providing all the refreshments and the bouquet of flowers for the Speaker.
Miss Kate Shawcross as guest speaker

Jamaica - 50 Glorious Years of Independence
Miss Campbell, Vice President, sends congratulations to her country of origin and to celebrate Jamaica's 50 Glorious Years of Independence - a service will be held on 21 July 2012 at:

The Methodist Church
Methodist Central Hall, Westminster London SW1H 9NH
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 020 7654 3809

Message to RBNA - 2012
In 2011 I referred to the upheavals in the world.  That pattern of violence and inhumanity has continued unabated on so many continents.

How wonderful therefore was it for me a few months ago to attend a gathering at the RBNA Archives in Kings College, London where papers were presented detailing the early days of The Royal British Nurses Association.

Months of research has preceded the meeting so that the picture described was a comprehensive one. I was so impressed by the professionalism, the sheer courage and devotion to duty, shown by those early pioneers.  What an example they set.

All members of the RBNA can therefore be proud to belong to a body founded and developed by women of such sterling quality, self-discipline and outstanding dedication.     '

I send my warmest greetings to all members for a year of health and of peace.

Aubrey Rose
President RBNA

As there was so much doom and gloom in 2010 from strikes, credit crunch, various protests, bankers bonus', flood, earthquake, hurricane, swine flu and several other disasters, even so for some, the low interest paying the mortgage was good - but for the RBNA investment it was not so good. For some 10/10/2010 was lucky.

Therefore it is best to pause a little and see what the RBNA have achieved over the years and give thanks for all the small mercies, by remembering some of our founder members for promoting the Nursing Profession. Like Mrs Bedford Fenwick, Ms Laviena Dock and Ms M Adelaide, whose petition for the Registration of Nurses Act 1919 and with the support of our very first President HRH Princess Christian and her mother Queen Victoria. The registration Act was passed, thus making it legally binding and that nurses should be properly recognised and educated.

As I watched and listened to Her Majesty's Christmas message to the nation the topic being sport, I suddenly remembered my comprehensive high school days, where I played netball and badminton. The Headmaster the Rev. Mitchell taught myself and the girls team how to play cricket. While competing in friendly harmonious rivalry, mutual respect is maintained. Sports not only opened doors, but it helps one to be more objective and well balanced! As Her Majesty's Christmas message was delivered from Hampton Court where HRH Princess Christian founded the Needlework School, the RBNA Banner was made at Hampton Court and Her Royal Highness also founded the Territorial Army reserve as a result the RBNA office is at theTA Centre, Stonecot Hill, Surrey. Such a great vision at that period for nurses, to be recognised as a profession and be better educated. The training for qualified nurses still consists of three years but is attached to a university.

The celebration of "The Thinking Nurse" Florence Nightingale, will always be honoured for the excellent work in the Crimean War and for sanitisation all over the world, although she was against the Registration Act for Nurses. Mary Seacole should also be remembered for her role in the Crimean War. The legacy of The Florence Nightingale School of Nursing at St .Thomas Hospital London lives on.

A.G.M.
The annual AGM the President Aubrey Rose CBE OBE D.U.NIV was unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances. His apology was accepted. Also for the very first time Dr Stephanie Kirby, Executive Co-ordinator was unable to be in attendance, other members apologies were also received, not that the Northern Line Tube strike helped.

Minutes of the previous year was read and signed as accurate.

RBNA request for a Charity Status
The response from the Charity Commission was not accepted. They interpreted from the Royal Charter that the charity was not for the general public, which is very inaccurate. The Helena Benevolent Fund was set up after the death of Princess Christian, which is solely for RBNA members only. The other charities is for any qualified nurse who is sick or disabled and unable to work. If funds are available the referrals from various agencies can be granted.

The sub group headed by Dr. Stephanie Kirby on the formation of new application forms was formally accepted and new forms printed.

Financial Account
The Executive members and all present had copies of the chartered accounts as adopted by Saffery & Champness who is the third largest company in the UK. Owing to the Financial situation, it became necessary to inform them that their services were no longer required and instead Chris Hopkins of Park Accountant's, 1 Approach Road, Raynes Park, London has been appointed to do the accounts.

Copies of The Trained Nurses Annuity Fund and the Ethel Mary Fletcher Fund audited accounts have been sent to the Charity Commissioner. The senior investment manager Edward Kirwan from Coutts & Co met the Executive Committee and discuss how volatile the account is regarding the buying and selling of shares. For the very first time letters were sent to the annuitants that the amount and their Christmas bonus would be reduced. The majority were most grateful and thankful that they were informed before the payment, their response and some responses indicated they were aware of the financial situation. That affects all of us these days but were most grateful.

The guest speaker was Eleanor Bloom a former metropolitan Police woman, who spoke on Personal Safety at home and out in the community. This was a very useful demonstrative talk. The vote of thanks was given by Miss Campbell.

Election of Officers
The election of officers remains unchanged but Miss Angela Searle was duly elected as assistant secretary. She has been a long standing member of the association. She was trained at the local hospital, St Helier Hospital, Carshalton, Surrey, 1988-1991 and is a very dedicated nurse and also to the RBNA.

Four new members joined
It was indeed a pleasure to receive Miss Margaret Forbes member of RBNA from New Zealand, who visited us in the summer. She had been unable to attend the Annual General Meeting due to swine flu.

The Archives
There is not a week that goes by, that researchers do not contact us, be it on the history of nursing or for tracing nursing relatives that might have been members of the RBNA. From Europe to the United Kingdom- The UK statistics of the rate of patients falling in hospital - How this is dealt with, to topics on ward management, This gives some indication on the referrals which is relevant to The Royal College of Nursing Archives in Scotland. Another example is Sandra Jeschke doing her PhD, and would like registered nurses to help by participating in the project.

Invitations
To Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II the RBNA is most thankful, for her support to the RBNA to attend. one of her garden parties at Buckingham Palace. An invitation from the ambassador of the Philippines to attend a reception at the court of StJames was received. An invitation to attend, The Thinking Nurse Florence Nightingale Exhibition at Kings College, The Strand, London, was attended by the President Aubrey Rose CBE and Mr Richard Bowden MA Archivists. Miss Campbell Vice President and Miss Angela Searle Assistant Secretary attended a Role of Honour celebration of British, Irish and Commonwealth Nurses at The Royal College of Nursing who fought in the First and Second World Wars.

There has over the years been very strong links with the government of the day. It was with great delight to learn, that the right honourable gentlemen Mr David Cameron, the Prime Minister, named his daughter, the latest addition to his family the name of Florence. We pray that she will have the "caring spirit".

On behalf of the RBNA, Miss Campbell sent deepest sympathies to the Prime Minister, Mr David Cameron and his family, on the death of his father Mr lan Cameron, which the Prime Minister most graciously responded to.

The Archives
It was a great challenge in a very difficult financial situation but it was worth every effort and most rewarding from an educational point of view to have the RBNA material catalogued and to find a suitable place which is accessible for all researchers to work. So through this medium I would like to convey my personal gratitude to all those folk which made it possible for access to the RBNA Archives. Firstly to Miss Kathy Shawcross who is from the London Borough of Sutton, Director of Archives who gave me a list of professional people. Mr Richard Bowden MA Archivists, who most timely and diligently did the cataloguing. The British Library who helped with some of the funding, of which Miss Anne Summers was on the grant panel, Miss Susan McCann, Director of Archives Royal College of Nursing, Mrs Patricia Methven, Director of Archives Kings College, the Strand, London and for the safe deposit of the RBNA Archives, which is being kept at the Strand and is at a central location accessible to all researchers and professional people. Our long standing member Professor Anne-Marie Rafferty CBE Dean of School of Nursing and Midwifery, Kings College in the recent exhibition honouring, "The Thinking Nurse" nurse Florence Nightingale and the role the RBNA played in the education of nurses was highlighted.

To many of our members who continue to be supportive to the RBNA. Miss Anne Wylie, Miss NJE Michie, Miss G Liverton, Miss Ford to Dr John and Moira Gloss for their continued financial support. Also remembering HRH Princess Christian, the first President of the RBNA for the educational vision for the nursing profession. She died 1923 she told an officer she loved the association so much "I gave it my father's motto, steadfast and true" The original RBNA badge.

As a matter of interest Miss Campbell, who is from the Commonwealth Country Jamaica did a pre-nursing course and on completion of the course had to repeat the Florence Nightingale Pledge. Is the Pledge ever used today? My thanks to the members who give their support by paying subscriptions and to non-members who also give financial support.

The new book keeper Mrs Sandie Roberts took over from Delroy Martin and was able to have the accounts ready for the AGM.

Also joining the team was Jason, however due to an accident he has been temporarily replaced by Miss Amy Read.

RBNA member Nigel Freeney has been assisting us with our website. We are in the process of changing the web address to www.rbna.org.uk.

Lt Colonel K Spires RGN Qvrm RSCN Qvrm TD remains a member of the RBNA however has retired from the executive committee.

Annuitants appreciate our financial help and letters of thanks have been received to the Executive Committee for their support. There were 10 recipients added to our Annuity List and there were 4 recipients of a one off payments of �100 plus �30 for Christmas.

We regret the death of Mrs Mary Francis.

Members were reminded that the subscription year runs from 1st January – 31st December, only £10, which will help in the running of the office.  Any Legacy will be gratefully received. 

The date of the next AGM will be Thursday 26th June 2008 in the Sergeants Mess at Princess Royal House, Stonecott Hill, Sutton.  The TA Centre is not difficult to get to by road, rail, and tube or bus providing they are not on strike. 

Chairman of the Fund
Miss H.M.Campbell

Members of the Executive Committee
Miss H. M. Campbell SRN SCM, Vice President
Miss M. P McCabe SRN SCM, Hon. Secretary
Dr. S. Kirby Executive Co-ordinator
Miss P. McQueen SRN SCM
Mrs G. Nwodili SRN SCM
Mrs L. Poore Ba RGN
Miss P. Selfe BSc Hons RGN
Miss L. deSilva SRN SCM
Lt Colonel K. Spires RGN Qvrm RSCN Qvrm TD
Mrs. R. Unkem

Annuitants appreciate our financial help, we have received letters of thanks.

There were fourteen recipients added to our Annuity List.

There were 5 recipients of a one off payment of £100.

We regret the deaths of Bridget Brady, Beryl Thomas, Joyce Harris, Geraldine Stannard.

Finance
The accounts as audited by Saffrey Chapness Accountants were signed as a true record. A signed copy of the accounts together with the list of executive members will be sent to the Charity Commissioners.

At the AGM Saffrey Champness Chartered Accountants were re-elected as our Chartered Accountants

Miss A. M. Campbell SRN SCM Vice president and chairman of funds.

The RBNA wishes all the members a healthy and peaceful 2006. The previous year was a very busy one. It is very gratifying to receive thank you letters from our annuitants who receive financial support from the RBNA.

Researchers continue to obtain and gather information from our Archives which are now at Kings College, The Strand, London. We have had enquiries for the Archives not only in the U.K. but also from Iceland, Australia and Canada. An exhibition on Mary Seacole was held at the Black Cultural Archives which are in Kennington, London, SE 11. The National Archives keep us up to date with what's on at Kew.

The Annual General Meeting held in June was better attended than the previous year. Mr. Alan Wicks gave a very interesting talk on "Who will be tomorrow's Nurses" Time was allowed for members to ask questions or give some contribution to the talk. New member, Margaret Forbes, from New Zealand was present at the meeting.

The Executive Committee remains unchanged except for Lt. Col. Spires who became a member. He has been appointed Recruiting Officer for recruiting new members.

The Charities
The Helena Benevolent Fund's Post Office Account has been withdrawn. The account is now managed by Merrill Lynch who have so far produced a far better financial returns than the Post Office.

The Trained Nurses Annuity Fund is now managed by Mr. P. Davies of Coutts & Co. who is Discretionary Investment Manager since July 2005. In December an Appraisal Meeting was held of the Accounts. There were some losses and small profits. Hopefully this will improve.

The Charity Commissioners at the end of each year have a copy of our signed accounts plus the names and addresses of the Executive Committee Members. We get newsletters from the Charity Commissioners setting out and updating the rules on running the Charities. The rent for the RBNA has been increased since November.

Our grateful thanks goes to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 2nd for invitations to attend one of her Garden Parties at Buckingham Palace. Thanks also to Dr. John and Moira Sloss for their continued financial support. Wish we had other similar financial supporters. Will members be supportive by sending in their Annual Subscription which is now due. Kindly contact the RBNA for bank details should you wish to pay by Standing Order

The Baroness Caroline Cox has suggested that we appoint another President as she is out of the Country so often. Any suggestions as to a new appointee?

Heartiest congratulations to Pamela Selfe on the birth of her daughter Isabelle.

Miss H. M. Campbell SRN., SCM. Vice President and Chairman of the Funds.

A.G.M.
The A.G.M. was held in the Conference Room here at the River Bank Business Centre on Thursday the 30th June 2005

Many apologies were received. It was rather encouraging that more members were in attendance. The guest speaker was Mr Alan Hicks from the Florence Nightingale School of Nursing and Midwifery, King’s College, London. He gave a very interesting talk on who will be tomorrow’s Nurses. There was much participation from the members on this subject.

New Members
A new member, Miss Margaret Forbes, from New Zealand was made welcome.

The Committee
Members of the Executive Committee are:
Baroness Cox of Queensbury, SRN BSc MSc Econ FinsTAM FRCN PHD Hons, President
Miss H. M. Campbell SRN SCM, Vice President
Miss M. P McCabe SRN SCM, Hon. Secretary
Dr. S. Kirby Executive Co-ordinator
Miss P. McQueen SRN SCM
Mrs G. Nwodili SRN SCM
Mrs L. Poore Ba RGN
Miss P. Selfe BSc Hons RGN
Miss L. deSilva SRN SCM
Lt Colonel K. Spires (Voted in by Dr S. Kirby and seconded by Miss P. Selfe)

Subscriptions
Members were reminded that the Subscription Year runs from the 1st Jan – 31 Dec, only £10, which will help in the running of the office. Any legacy will be gratefully received.

Next A.G.M.
The date of the next A.G.M. will be Thursday 29th June 2006 in the Conference Room here at the River Bank Business Centre.

The RBNA continues to administer the charities for sick and disabled nurses. Referrals are received from; The British Legion, Citizen Advice Bureau, Staying Put, SAFFA, Age Concern, Social Services, Representatives from residential homes and the RCN, Council Welfare Offices and other charities. The regulation does not allow us to give grants for education.

Owing to unforeseen circumstances the AGM was held on the 9th September 2004 instead of June. It was poorly attended. The guest speaker was David Tweede esq, the firm solicitor, who guided us through the resolution for the Trained Nurses Annuity Fund change over. Coutts and Co. are to be discretionary investment managers. Having submitted all the legal identification documents by the executive committee members, this is to be implemented.

The Accounts are checked by Saffery and Champness and are sent to the commissioners with all the names and addresses of the executive committee.

Researchers continue to write in for material from the archives and we are delighted that the RBNA is able to help their work.

Via the internet we continue to receive three new members.

The Princess Christian Hospital Windsor, This has been a time consuming and costly exercise. It began in 1994 with the Nuffield trust asking the RBNA to remove clause 13 of the 1925 Land Settlement Act. No agreement was reached after 18 months as the Nuffield claim they are in debt and could, not honour the land settlement act. It was brought to the RBNA notice that the Princess Christian was up for sale. No consultation had been made with the RBNA. The Helena Benevolent Fund should be a beneficiary. Once again the Nuffield state that they are in debt and will not be able to honour the land settlement act. The RBNA, via the firm’s solicitors, await answers from questions asked of the charity commissioners.

Barclays Bank had the royal charter in safekeeping and after three years trying to find it it has now been found.

The executive committee remains unchanged. No one has joined the committee to take Mrs Williams, place. Mr Martin remains bookkeeper. David Tweede and submitted by associates remain firm solicitors. Mr Arnott at Saffery and Chapness Chartered Accountants remain accountants for the RNBA.

Our thanks to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for her kind invitation to attend one of her garden parties at Buckingham Place. To Dr John and Moira Sloss for their constant support and the new computer, & Mr Nigel Freeney, our member for installing the computer. To members who give their support by paying their subscription and giving a donation – the subscription year is from the 1st January – 31 st December. Please write in for the RNBA bank details if you wish to set up your own standing order.

Congratulations to the following members; Dr Anne Marie Raffery on becoming Professor and Dean of the Florence Nightingale School of Nursing, Dr Margaret Currie on the publication of her book on fever nursing.

The President Baroness Caroline Ann Cox sends good wishes to all members.

Miss A. M. Campbell SRN SCM Vice president and chairman of funds.

Our President, Baroness Caroline Anne Cox, wishes to be remembered to you all. She apologised for having not attended the AGM. Her job takes her out of the Country most of the time.

Members of the Executive Committee are.
Miss H. M. Campbell, Vice President and Chairman of the Funds.
Miss M. P McCabe, Hon. Secretary.
Miss P. McQueen.
Mrs. G. Nwodili.
Mrs. R. Unkem.
Mrs. L. Poore.
Miss L. deSilva.
Dr. S. Kirby.
Miss P. Selfe.

Mr. Martin, Bookkeeper, Mr. David Tweedie & Asso. Solicitors. Auditors, Saffrey Champness — Chartered Accountants.

A copy of the signed accounts and a list of the Executive Members which now require

members date of birth and telephone numbers, was sent to the Charity Commissioners.

Three new members joined the RBNA. Miss Margaret Forbes from New Zealand for whom we were able to provide an address for her stay in London , Mr. Richard Lloyd Ling from Canada and Mrs. Winsome Austin from England.

With regards to the Archives, researchers still write to us for various copies for their research. Professor McDonald requested copies of Florence Nightingale letters.

A copy of the card sent by The RBNA to Winston Churchill, was sent to the Churchill Archives. They were referred to Kings College where the RBNA Archives are housed.

We continue to administer the Charity Funds for sick and disabled nurses. New Investment Managers at Coutts and Co. have been appointed with discretionary powers.

It seems that today every transaction that takes place one has to present two I. D.s. Yet in December 2004 a cheque book that was sent to us got lost. Three cheques were

cashed, and a fourth was stopped on presentation. The money has been refunded to our account once the Fraud Squad was informed of the illegal transactions.

Re: HRH Princess Christian Hospital at Windsor; ten years ago the Nuffield Trust governed the hospital. After 18 months it was well and truly overspent. In the Land Settlement Act 1925, it was stated that if ever the Hospital was sold, a sum of money should go to the Helena Benevolent Fund. The Hospital has now been sold. The Nuffield has now stated that they are in debt and are unable to honour the Land Settlement Act 1925. The Nuffield is a charitable organisation and should therefore be able to offer a donation to the Helena Benevolent Fund.

Congratulations go to our member Dr. Anne Marie Rafferty on becoming a Professor and Dean of Kings College, London at Camberwell. Our thanks to Dr. John and Moira Sloss for their constant financial support. They also donated a new computer to the office. Thanks to Nigel Freeney, a member, for having it installed.

Once again, the AGM was very poorly attended. The speaker was Mr. David Tweedie solicitor for the RBNA.

Please support the RBNA by paying your subscription which is only £10.00 annually. We are now paying rent at the commercial rate and it is costly running the office. Surely you would not wish the RBNA to cease operating due to lack of funds.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 2nd , through the Lord Chamberlain, still extends invitations to one of her Garden Party. It is with regret that some folk do not write and say thank you to the RBNA or even remember to pay their subscriptions.

The RBNA was delighted that a painting of Mary Seacole was found at a car boot sale. It is now hung in the National Art Gallery.

The AGM this year will be on Thursday 30th June at 2pm. here in the Conference Room. Please note that subscriptions are now due for this year.

The RBNA wishes all its members and the few friends who give their support to the RBNA, a very healthy and successful 2003.

The year 2002 was a particularly difficult one, what with finding a safe home for the Archives and an office for the RBNA. As soon as Miss Campbell recovered from surgery and was mobile everything was soon finalised.

On the absence of Miss Campbell, a subgroup was formed with Dr Ann Rafferty, Mrs Stephanie Kirby and Mr Richard Bowden, to help find a home for the Archives, with Miss McCabe giving Secretarial support. As Susan MacGann, RCN Archivist was the guest speaker at the AGM; it was a foregone conclusion that the RBNA Archives should go to the RCN Archives in Edinburgh. This would not have been a practical situation as one of the RBNA difficulties is that members of the Executive Committee are in full time employment and are unable to give the necessary support that is required from time to time.

Mention must be made of two Executive Committee Members who gave a lot of their time in helping to find a new office to the RBNA Miss Gillian Liverton and Mrs Lorraine Poore also support by Miss Pam Selfe was given.

Archives
The RBNA Archives being so unique in the end had a choice of four offers:-

1. The RCN Archives
2. The Wellcome Medical Institute
3. The Metropolitan London Archives
4. Kings College Archives

Kings College Archives, London University are simply thrilled to have such a unique collection of Nursing History deposited in safe custody with them. Guys and St Thomas’ still have Student Nurses in training attached to Kings College. The RBNA reserve all copyrights.

AGM
It would be encouraging if members of the RBNA do try and attend the Annual General Meeting, which is always the last Thursday in June. Credit given to two of our senior members who made the effort to attend the AGM from Scotland.

Our president Lady Caroline Ann Cox was in attendance for part of the Annual General Meeting and wishes to be supportive to the RBNA.

New Members
Among the three new members who joined the RBNA was Dr Ann Rafferty. Director of Nursing Policy Research: We welcome them to the association.

Yearly Subscriptions
The RBNA was founded in 1887. Its continuing survival depends on your donations and yearly subscription. The new RBNA badges are on sale for £5.

Golden Jubilee Year
The RBNA sent congratulations greetings to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to which she most graciously acknowledged.

Miss Campbell and Miss McCabe were invited to Her Majesty’s Thanksgiving Service in St Paul’s Cathedral. A very moving Thanksgiving Service.

Mr Richard Bowden was lucky in attending one of Her Majesty’s Concerts at Buckingham Palace. We imagine that he enjoyed the food hamper with champagne even more than the music.

Members who attended one of Her Majesty’s Garden Parties at Buckingham Palace were very fortunate that it did not rain and had a good view of the Royal Party and enjoyed the tea.

Commemorative Medals
Miss Campbell is very upset that during her absence two medals; Mary Cochrane Red Cross Medal and a Gold Medal of Merit given to Miss Isobel Macdonald, that were kept locked in the safe have gone missing.

New Address
Please note our new address
River Bank House
Room 502
1 Putney Bridge Approach
London
SW6 3JD
0207 731 0550

Many Thanks
Our grateful thanks to Dr John Sloss and Mrs Moira Sloss for their constant financial support and to UK Nursing Web Sites Ltd who host the RBNA Web site.

My grateful thanks to the Executive Committee and the members who over the years have given me their support, while we hope and pray that 2003 will be a better year for the RBNA.

HM Campbell
Vice President and Chairman of the Charities

Many apologies were received. We were very disappointed that our President, The Baroness Caroline Cox had a sudden change of plans due to family commitments and was unable to be in attendance. She sent us her good wishes.

We were very honoured indeed at very short notice to have Dr. Ann Marie Rafferty. She had just returned from lecturing in the U.S.A. She spoke on the history of the role that the RBNA played on policy making. Dr. Arm Marie Rafferty is a historian on nurse research on policy making. Her talk was well received.

A guest from New Zealand, Miss Allison Mitchell, Fellow Researcher at the University of Texas USA. was in attendance. She is doing some nursing research. Mr. Richard Bowden gave the vote of thanks.

Miss Campbell was particularly pleased that there is a cross section of new members who are in active service and are interested in all aspects of the RBNA and not just the history side.

Two new members have joined the Executive Committee: Mrs. Stephanie Kirby,
Lecturer in nursing studies at the South Bank University and Miss Pamela Selfe, The RBNA is very grateful to Thornbury Nursing Services for their Vote of Confidence and Financial Support that they have given the RBNA. The numbers for the Executive Committee is now complete.

Mr. Stephen Callendar-Grant is a nurse historian who writes in three professional papers is quite keen to put an advertisement for the RBNA in one of his free columns.

Will the RBNA gradually return to the days when the President of the British Medical Association, the President of Surgeons and Physicians were also President of the RBNA?

There were many army personal as members and who served on the committee.

A grant was given to help with the listing of the Archives. The RBNA had to finance the rest of the project which look a long time to be completed. At that time there were other liabilities that we were faced with.

All researchers are told that an appointment must be made and the subject for research must be given in advance. it is customary for donation to be given on completion of research.

Needless to say, during the past ten years every effort has been made to revitalise the RBNA. Many legal consultations have had to be made. There was a Mr. Underwood from Walker Marlineau. During the 1ast five to six years solicitors were in attendance at meetings from Osmond, Gaunt, Rose who are still available to us if necessary.

We must not forget a few long standing members who remain "Steadfast and True" and are delighted that a breath of fresh air is invigorating the RBNA. They try to learn more about the RBNA. A lot of time and devotion has been spent in getting the RBNA back on the "Straight and Narrow". We hope that the committee will continue to serve the Association together as a team. It is also worth remembering that in any formal meeting there is a code of professional conduct which should always be exercised.

Date of next A.G.M will be Thursday 27th June 2002 in the Conference Room.

"Heights by great men reached and kept,
Were not attained by sudden flight
But they, while their companions slept,
Were toiling upwards in the night".

(Miss) H. M. Campbell. SRN., SCM.
Vice President.
Chairman of the Funds.

On the Executive Committee Miss Liverton and Mrs. Poore joined the Committee and Mr. Richard Bowden became an Associate Member of the Association. He keeps us informed regarding matters of the Archives.

On the Archives, many enquiries have been made regarding relatives who were members of the R.B.N.A. We are always very delighted when we are asked to supply from the Archives the necessary information. Letters are constantly being sent to us from here in the U.K. and abroad regarding training and how to get registered. They are always directed to the right source.

The R.B.N.A continues to administer the Charities. The two most active ones are the Trained Nurses Annuity Fund and the Ethel Mary Fletcher. The Helena Benevolent Fund is for members of the Association who do need help. With the help of our members from Thornbury Nursing Agency, the Charities are now on the Internet.

Members of the Association and Friends have sent donations and books for the Archives and Miss Borg, a former Vice President left the R.B.N.A. a small legacy which has helped the Association to remain solvent.

With the members subscriptions, the running of the office is maintained. The time dedicated by the Honorary Secretary Miss Mary McCabe, Miss McQueen, Miss DeSilva and Mr. Delroy Martin for dealing with the accounts during the period of my absence, my personal thanks to them.

Thanks to Mr. A. R. Arnot of Saffery Champness, Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors for auditing the Accounts.

Miss H. M. Campbell
Vice President.

New President
The RBNA are delighted to announce that Baroness Caroline Ann Cox has accepted our invitation to become President of the RBNA. Baroness Cox is well known for her worldwide humanitarian aid work. We are sure that she will be a great asset to the work of the Association, with every member giving their support.

Thank you
The RBNA would like to record their thanks to overseas members who have sent greetings of good wishes to our new President and the executive committee of the Association. It is also pleasing to receive expressions of gratitude from the Association’s annuitants for the continuing financial support of the Association. We would also like to thank the members who support the work of the Association by donation.

Archives
There has been much interest from relatives and historians in tracing the history of particular RBNA badges, but few enquiries from historians wishing to consult the RBNA archives.

The British Centre for the History of Nursing which in conjunction with the RCN archive is based in Edinburgh, are hosting a series of seminars on aspects of nursing history. The series opened in January with a lecture entitled Why Women should become nurses and not doctors. Another is planned for March and the series will end in May with a lecture by nurse historian Dr Anne Marie Rafferty.

The Wellcome Institute is currently compiling the 4th edition of their Directory of British Archives. This has corrected our address and other details. This publication is expected later in 2001 and the RBNA has purchased a copy for our records.

Keep in touch
It would be helpful if members write to us informing us of changes in circumstance both for themselves and other members known to them. We are always pleased to hear news of members, and it helps us keep our records up to date.

Subscriptions
Subscriptions for 2001 became due on 1st January. Some members have not yet paid their subscriptions for the year 2000. The RBNA rely heavily on the contribution made by members’ subscriptions to maintain the Association and its premises active.

If you have not yet paid your subscription, we would be delighted to receive it.

Advance notice of the AGM
The Annual General Meeting of the RBNA will be held on Thursday 28th June,
Meeting commences sharp at 2pm in the conference room at the Duke of York’s Headquarters, Turks Row, London.

Turks Row can be found at the bottom of Lower Sloane Street, at the side of the Rose and Crown public House.

We hope to welcome as many members as possible at the AGM