A RETRIED community/psychiatric nurse and lecturer in general and psychiatric nursing is looking for three volunteers to help him with a forthcoming illustrated talk on the history of Pen-y-Fal Hospital (1851 to 1996).

The talk will feature many hundreds of photographs from the 1880s to the 1990s, various mental health legislation and acts will be discussed, and case histories of patients from the 1920s will be given by two guest speakers.

There will be a talk given by the Samaritans and other related organizations, and memoirs from various members of ex-staff, discussing their experiences of all wards and all sorts of patients over the years.

A guest speaker will talk on the subject of ‘Stigma’ within the profession of psychiatry, and on how progressive and effective the move from institutionalised to community care has become.

An invited member of the A.B.U.H. Board will talk on the services provided today and plans for the future, and various films from the 1960s,70s, and 80s of patients and staff on fete days/Christmas etc, will be shown.

Following the talk, there will be a reunion of all former Pen-y-Fal staff, and some musical entertainment.

The event will be held on a Saturday (12pm to late) and is open to everyone who is interested in ‘mental health’.

The talk will cost approximately £10 to attend and an exact date and venue will be announced a further edition of the Abergavenny Chronicle. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Samaritans.

The talk is being organized by David Bowen , Ex RMN, RGN, RNT, D.N. (London).

Mr Bowen currently requires one volunteer to assist with running the laptop and projector, and two further volunteers to give short talks - following a briefing by Mr Bowen.

If you feel you can assist, or are interested in attending the event, then please contact David Bowen on 01873 858306 for further details.