Staff and volunteers from the founding days of Isabel Hospice were among 250 guests who gathered together for a special luncheon to celebrate our charity’s 40th anniversary.
The celebratory event was held in the medieval Old Palace of Hatfield House on April 21st – exactly 40 years to the day that the first trustees meeting was held back in 1982.
Many former members of staff were present, including Pam Harvey, our first Director of Nursing, Helen Dodd, the former Director of Patient Services, and Alison Daniels, the first Volunteer Manager. Jenny Gaydon, the Hospice’s first administrative secretary, travelled all the way from Wales to join the celebration with other past trustees and volunteers.
Other special guests in attendance included the Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire Robert Voss, the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire Sally Burton, and Hospice patrons Lord and Lady Salisbury.
Among the corporate supporters and civic dignitaries present were the mayors of Welwyn, Hatfield, Hertford, Ware, Broxbourne and Bishop’s Stortford.
Upon arrival, guests enjoyed a drinks reception in Hatfield House’s famous Knot Garden, followed by a two-course lunch at beautifully decorated tables in the Old Palace.
After the meal, Isabel Hospice’s Life President Barbara Doherty MBE spoke of the vision of our founder, Isabel Last, with our current CEO Helen Glenister detailing the future plans for our organisation.
Hospice patient Janet Howe then gave a very moving account of the care she has received through the Living Well with Isabel programme and how it has changed her whole perspective of living with cancer.
Afterwards, two long-serving Clinical Nurse Specialists, Lorraine Vosper and Wendy Freeman, shared anecdotes from their many years of working at the Hospice.
The Master of Ceremonies was Stuart Storey, a long-standing Isabel supporter.
Speaking afterwards, Barbara, who organised the prestigious luncheon with members of Isabel’s special events committee, said: “The whole day was one of celebration for the 40 years of care that has been given by Isabel Hospice to patients and their families. It also recognised the enormous support we receive from the community, and this was reflected in the number of guests who attended and have been our very loyal supporters over the years.”
