St John Ambulance Fellowship welcomes new members at local event

Members of the New Forest branch of the St John Ambulance Fellowship welcomed new and current members to an event at Lymington Town Sailing Club.

The group, celebrating its 30th year, want to encourage new recruits to support the work of local St John Ambulance branches, as well as take part in regular social activities. St John Ambulance plays an important role within local communities, their key objective being to teach first aid skills to both adults and children so that anyone can be the difference between a life lost and a life saved.   

Chairwoman of the Fellowship, Rosemary Willis explained ‘The Fellowship is about looking after each other and socialising. Many members have been loyal supporters of St John Ambulance in the past, raising a lot of money and now we look to help out local branches where we can.’

Rosemary, 88 from Lymington, said ‘We’re holding a luncheon on Friday 14 October and extend an invite to any potential new members. The event is free and we will be welcoming the County President of St John Ambulance, The Countess of Portsmouth, and we also hope to hold a fundraising raffle.’

Rosemary joined St John Ambulance in 1952 and served as a volunteer until she was 67 years old. She helped set up the New Forest branch of the St John Ambulance Fellowship in 1981, along with friends Mr and Mrs Bowler. Rosemary explained, ‘The lunch will be dedicated to Mr and Mrs Bowler, who have sadly passed away, but will not be forgotten. The Fellowship is an extension of St John Ambulance, and we also have local branches in Southampton and Havant.’