Chelsea Pensioner Stan Constable Remembered
Chelsea Hospital In-Pensioner Stan Constable (shown on the left in the photograph below), who made many friends in Lyme, sadly died in late September while on another visit to York. He was taken ill with a chest infection.
The Mayor of Lyme Regis attended his funeral at the Royal Chelsea Hospital on 11 October, together with Philip and Francesca Evans who made the arrangements for Stan and Alex to join us for our Jubilee celebrations in June. Stan’s companion in Lyme was Alex Murray. Both feature prominently in our Jubilee Lyme booklet and accompanying DVD.
Sally told www.lymeregis.org:
‘It was due to the wonderful welcome Stan and Alex received from Lyme’s people that he reported to his Colonel on his return and told is daughters about us. Alex has written an article in the Hospital’s magazine, the Tricorne, which celebrates their Diamond Jubilee year. There, among photos of the Royal visitors they receive, is a page by Alex on Lyme and their Jubilee activities with us. What an honour!’
His children were so impressed with the stories of Lyme that Sue, his younger daughter, contacted Sally to tell her the sad news and invite her to attend his funeral. Philip made the arrangements and Alex met and welcomed them as his special guests.
‘We met Alex again, good to see him in such a caring environment, looking after his fellow soldiers as he had Stan. His daughters Sue and Angela, with husbands and grandchildren, were so pleased we had made the journey, and Lyme was mentioned in the tribute by the Captain of Invalids, Lt Col Rupert Lucas.
Thank you to everyone who helped make that Lyme Jubilee so special for both of our pensioners, it was a special memory for Stan. I have been asked by Angela and Sue to thank Lyme Regis for all your kindness and thoughts for Stan. They hope to visit Lyme in the Spring,’ said the Mayor.
Published on 26/10/2012.
