Former Stamford Hospital nurses share fond memories at celebration to mark the centenary of the Royal College of Nursing

More than 90 former nurses attended the event on Wednesday last week at Stamford Hospital and were able to reunite with old friends and colleagues whilst taking a trip down memory lane.

In attendance was Kathleen Shotbolt who began nursing at Stamford Hospital in 1941 before using her skills to serve in the RAF for five years until the end of the war.

She was nominated to cut the cake which was made by staff nurse Su Mansell.

Betty Vellum was among the guests. She remembered fondly her first day of work on April 1, 1946 as a nurse at Stamford Hospital. She completed her preliminary training in Lincoln and qualified in 1950. Once achieving her qualifications, Betty trained as a midwife. She worked as the sister on the ward for 14 years.

Maureen Sibborn completed her student training at Stamford Hospital from 1955 to 1959. She recalled working in the geriatric unit before leaving Stamford to travel. Maureen explored New Zealand and Canada until reaching retirement when she returned to Bourne. She remembered Betty as a ‘brilliant ward sister who was not one to be messed with!’

Margaret Flatters and Margaret Matthews both worked in the Casualty Unit and Outpatient Department between 1962 and 1964. They became firm friends and only left the hospital when they started their families. The pair are still in touch - Margaret Flatters is godmother to Margaret Matthews’ two daughters.

Margaret Matthews remained nursing in Grantham until after retirement as she enjoyed it so much. She said she loved working in casualty as there was a variety of jobs to do. She was delighted to return to the hospital site again and reunite with former colleagues.

Current matron Sue Brooks said: “It was fabulous to see so many nurses keen to come back to Stamford Hospital and to share their fond memories.”