TWO former members of staff from Barnsley Hall Hospital, are organising a reunion to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society.

The hall was a psychiatric facility which operated in Bromsgrove from 1907 until it’s closure in 1989. The land has since been replaced by a residential development, while the staff and facilities moved on to the Princess of Wales site.

Yvonne Richards and Pam Butt who worked at Barnsley Hall for more than eight years, are trying to get as many former staff members as possible to come to the event at Catshill Working Mens’ Club on Friday, April 3 from 7.30pm.

Ms Richards said: “We did one about five years ago and it was really successful and everyone was chuffed to bits to catch up, but people were asking for another.

“There’s loads of people that come in, even one or two I didn’t recognise at first last time, but once we got talking it was great. Working at Barnsley Hall was like one big family.”

The reunion will feature a disco and a raffle, as well as a buffet, with tickets on sale for £5.

The two are organising the reunion as part of a wider fundraising campaign to raise £3,000 for a trek along the Inca Trail in Peru later this year.

Ms Richards added: “We did a trek along the Great Wall of China a few years ago, so it’s something we’ve done before. I know it’s going to be hard and I pray I’m going to be able to do it, but it’s all for a good cause so I can’t wait, I’m looking forward to it.”

For information on the reunion or to book tickets, caontact Yvonne Richards on 01527 879819, or to add to the fundraising for the Alzheimer’s Society, visit justgiving.com/richardsbutts2.