Sunday 8th November 2020:
A Letter from Chelsea
Coinciding with this year's Remembrance Commemorations, we have recently had some very interesting news from one of our longest standing members, Ted Fell. Ted has recently been admitted as a Chelsea Pensioner, and has moved from his former home in Chapel-en-le-Frith down to the Royal Hospital in London. Below is the letter he sent to the Friends of Oignies Association.
Time here like everywhere is at a standstill (almost). I am settling in to what is called a long ward. This is literally that a long room, carpeted, with easy chairs and tables, and bookcases/cupboards along the length. Off to one side there are 15 berths, these have your own front door, leading into a study, through that into your bed/sitting room with a wet room off to one side. Meals are waiter service in the great hall. This is a large oak panelled room, with every battle honour the British Army has won since 1692 and above these are painted portraits of various royals who have had a lot to do with the Chelsea Pensioners throughout the ages.
Over the past ten days, we have had the BBC here filming some of the pensioners parading and the choir singing with Alfie Boe and Michael Ball (Televised tonight), then a visit by David Beckham, promoting the poppy appeal.
As and when we get to do other things of interest I will let you know.
Best Regards to all and keep safe,
Ted
Ted in Uniform
