The Story of Queen's Hospital: 7 October 2017

An evening of story, music, drama and poetry commemorating its opening in 1917.

2017 marks the centenary of the opening of The Queen’s Hospital for facially injured soldiers of WW1. It went on to become world-renowned as the centre of the new art of plastic surgery under the innovative and pioneering work of Sir Harold Gillies, a New Zealand-born surgeon.

On 7 October 2017 at St John's Church, Sidcup a special event told the illustrated story of The Queen's Hospital. We saw performances by Brampton Road Singers, Jay Britton, The Marlowe Ensemble, students from Rose Bruford College and Geoffey Whitworth Theatre, alongside readings which told the story of the founding of the hospital in Sidcup, the work of Harold Gillies, the facially-injured soldiers and the difficulties they faced, and how Sidcup dealt with the impact of the war. And of course a sing-along at the end! Thanks to St John's Church for a perfect setting, Jason Uden for the programmes, Urban Food for the delicious food and beautiful cakes, to all the many contributors and to Rt Hon. James Brokenshire, MP for the final thoughts on a wonderful evening. And thank you to the audience who came along and donated generously to the Royal British Legion, a charity which continues to support serving soldiers, veterans and their families.