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KARA - The beginings of the Retirement Association

 

By Barry Barnsley

 

 

 

During the latter part of 1992 I was at Ashford Ambulance Station with the then Chief Ambulance Officer who was presenting long service/good conduct medals to staff. After the presentations he was approached by Murray 'Badger' Swift and Bert Leadbetter who asked him whether it was possible for a retirement association to be set up. Mr Robinson subsequently spoke to me and asked me to research whether there was any interest in such an idea. I then visited the Personnel Department at Headquarters in Coxheath and obtained the names and addresses of all members of staff who had retired either through ill health or age during the past 15 years. I then designed a questionaire which was circulated to all known retirees and whilst a number were not returned, I guess due to either changes of address or circumstances, a significant number were returned with the vast majority in favour of the idea.

KARA subsequently started in 1993 with John Hart as President and Bob Smith as Chairman.

 

Embroidery by Mrs M.J. Ludlow

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Please, please look out those Old Photographs & Documents...

We need your help! We want more old and newer photographs.

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Can you help?

 

If you have any photo's of stations, vehicles, ambulance related and especially of those of our ambulance service staff; plus any documents.

 

Please rifle through your drawers, boxes in your attic, in the bottom of your wardrobe.

 

If you find some we would be grateful for them or to copy them for KARA's Collection. 

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We are especially in need of some photographs of Staff, Stations - events and Vehicles of Dartford, Northfleet and Maidstone

 

Help us to save your history...

 

Please contact any member of the committee if your search is fruitful.

 

Thanks

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*Note. Two more envelopes full of photo's have been handed into Coxheath Reception for us - Thanks to the receptionists for looking out for us.

 

Members Book an Archive for KARA Members

John Wye January 2019

 

Members Book

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The Members Book is an archive register for members  in which the members name, locations of service (abbreviated), length of service - year to year, membership year to year and current membership status is registered.

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Although we have filled in some of the 'blank spaces' in the book, some of the information in relation to our past members is still proving difficult to find. If you can help fill in the blanks, please let us know. 

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Members Book - Part Two

Personal Photo and Story

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Entry of a personal photograph and your story to fit on a A4 sheet. (Av. 500 words.) Suggestions as to what you may wish to include; where you were born, your childhood, your schooling, work or service before and after ambulance service, service highlights, after retirement, notable events, and don't forget to mention your partner. To date I am still working on previous member stories as there has been little response from current members. 

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If your not keen on giving us your story at least make sure we have a photo or two of you in the archive.

 

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A copy of the latest edition of the 'Members Book' is available to view at Social Meetings. If it is not out on the tables - please ask if you wish  to view.

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