HRH PRINCESS ALEXANDRA UNVEILS PLAQUE AT THE NEW CAVENDISH

At last I have some photos taken by Royal photographer, Phil Gammon recently, when members of the New Cavendish Club met HRH Princess Alexandra. The reception celebrated the centenary anniversary of the forming of the Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD) nurses and it was a glittering occasion.The dinner that followed was wonderful.

The Voluntary Aid Detachment was formed at the beginning of the last century to support medical and nursing services and contributed a major role in both World Wars in the initial treatment and comfort of the returning wounded.

Princess Alexandra met senior members of nursing organisations and the British Red Cross, as well as Club officials during the reception. Her Royal Highness unveiled a plaque to rename the main banqueting suite “The Centenary Suite”.

Chairman, Susan-Ann Dowle, commented: “We were delighted to welcome Princess Alexandra. The Club has always been synonymous with the VAD nurses and we are privileged to honour their memory.”

The New Cavendish Club was formed in the early 1920s as a meeting place for the “gentlewomen” who had served in the VAD in the Great War. Gentlemen were accepted as members in 1985 and, while retaining its historic ties with the nursing profession, now provides a comfortable and affordable “home from home” in central London for members from all walks of life. For further information: www.newcavendishclub.co.uk Phil Gammon's images can be seen on his website of same name.