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Florence Nightingale Centenary Service in Romsey Abbey

Over 600 people attended a centenary service in Romsey Abbey led by the Most Revd and Rt Hon Lord Carey, on Monday 8 November, 2010.

The service was a celebration of the vocation, enterprise, and heroism of Florence Nightingale, with a focus on her early life, much of which was spent at Embley Park, (now the home of Hampshire Collegiate School, HCS).

Pupils from HCS and Wellow Primary School read extracts of letters from Florence’s childhood, her association with Wellow School and parish, and the Crimea. The service was punctuated with music by Romsey Abbey Choir, Hampshire Collegiate School Choir and Orchestra and a moving poem, set to music by Year 11 pupil, Jack and sung by Abi, Year 10.

In his sermon, the Rt Hon Lord Carey spoke of Florence Nightingale’s calling from God; urging pupils to take her example of compassion, her hard work and her determination to succeed. Col Wendy Spencer, and Mrs Diana Jarvis Matron at HCS, talked of the legacy that Miss Nightingale had left upon nursing and medical profession; making reference to their own nursing careers.

Principal of HCS Hector MacDonald, said: “Miss Florence Nightingale’s life and legacy enrich us all at HCS – she is figure-head for us all.  We were so pleased to celebrate her accomplishments together and use her shining example long into the future to inspire us.”