For retired and serving members

During the latter part of 1992 I was at the Silver Hill Road Ashford Ambulance Station, with the Chief Ambulance Officer Mike Robinson, presenting Long Service/Good Conduct medals to a number of staff. After the presentations Mike Robinson was  approached by Murray ‘Badger’ Swift and Bert Leadbetter, who enquired if it would be possible for a retirement association to be set up. Mr. Robinson subsequently asked me to investigate whether there was any interest in such an idea and if so carry it forward.

I made arrangements to visit the Personnel Department at Headquarters in Coxheath, Maidstone and, together with Val Page (Personnel Secretary); we identified 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 questionnaire which was circulated to all known retirees and whilst a number were not returned, I guess due to changes of address or circumstances, a significant number were returned with the majority in favour.

KARA subsequently started in 1993 with John Hart as President and Bob Smith as Chairman. The in-ugural meeting in the Boardroom at Coxheath was held in 1993 when the Committee was elected, John Hart (HQ) as President and Bob Smith (Deal) as Chairman, with Basil Bourne (Lydd) becoming the Treasurer for a significant number of years and Alan Vine also serving on the Committee. 

                                              (Barry Barnsley)

Many of these members are no longer with us but the Kent Ambulance Retirement Association continues, building on the roots and aims of that original Committee.