PRESS RELEASE 18.3.2010

HRH Princess Alexandra will attend a reception to celebrate the centenary anniversary of the forming of the Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD) nurses, which is being held at the New Cavendish Club on March 31 at 6.30 pm.   The Voluntary Aid Detachment was formed at the beginning of the last century to support medical and nursing services and contributed a major role in both World Wars in the initial treatment and comfort of the returning wounded.   Princess Alexandra will meet senior members of nursing organisations and the British Red Cross as well as Club officials during the reception. Her Royal Highness will also unveil a plaque to rename the main banqueting suite to “The Centenary Suite”.   Chairman, Susan-Ann Dowle, comments:  “We are delighted to welcome Princess Alexandra. The Club has always been synonymous with the VAD nurses and we are privileged to honour their memory.”   The New Cavendish Club was formed in the early 1920s as a meeting place for the “gentlewomen” who had served in the VAD in the Great War.  Gentlemen were accepted as members in 1985 and, while retaining its historic ties with the nursing profession, now provides a comfortable and affordable “home from home” in central London for members from all walks of life..   For further information: www.newcavendishclub.co.uk Victoria Hyam, Club Manager, 0207 723 0391 Victoria@newcavendishclub.co.uk   Deborah Roberts, Meetings and Events Manager, 0207 732 0391 events@newcavendishclub.co.uk   Spokesman, Susan-Ann Dowle, Chairman, 01798 831671   16.03.10