THURSTON CLUB

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30401, 28 March 1964, Page 2

THURSTON CLUB

Distending Rejected The twenty-fifth anniversary reunion of the Thurston Club, which has a fine tradition of nursing both in-New Zealand and overseas, was almost its last. Members met in Christchurch on Thursday with the intention of winding the dub up—but then found themselves so reluctant to disband that they decided to continue holding annual reunions.

About 20 members who celebrated the club’s silver anniversary, at an afternoon party at the home of one of its members. Lady Hay, were welcomed by the president (Miss E. Hodges). The club was formed to give nurses who had trained at the Christchurch Hospital when the late Miss Mabel Thurston was matron an opportunity to meet regularly to. keep in touch with Miss Thurston and send her comforts when she. retired and lived in England. Many of the nurses served overseas with distinction during World War L Others have held top nursing posts in New Zealand and overseas in later years. A number of them had daughters who trained as nurses in Christchurch; some have granddaughters now in training.

Miss Thurston was also matron-in-chief of the- New Zealand Army Nursing Service during World War I, and was awarded the R.R.C. and the C.B.E. for her work in wartime and civilian nursing. She died in London a few years ago.

So the idea of disbanding the club was mooted, particularly as, with the passing years, membership was declining. However, finally deciding that it would be a pity to end such a long and unusual association, members could not bring themselves to do it, and will continue to meet each year.