A new ballad of Richmond Hill

In a dusty box in the CHT offices, we came across a wonderful poem

written about Elly Jansen and The Richmond Fellowship, Elly's first Therapeutic Community. Written over fifty years ago in 1969, it's a powerful and touching tribute to the impact of community, and the gratitude felt towards Elly for working tirelessly to provide an alternative to hospital for people living with mental distress.

We are delighted to share it here.

In a quiet place in Surrey

Very close to Richmond Hill

Far from bustle and worry,

Geared for folks who have been ill

Stands a house like any other,

So 'twould seem, and yet one can

Learn that here with endless bother

Elly's Fellowship began,

Not a hospital or a clinic

Ruled through rigid unity

But a home where e'en a cynic

Sees a real community.

How she ever got it moving

Is to some a mystery,

That one woman's zeal is proving

Psychiatric history!

From this one house has developed

Through blind faith, and toil and grit,

An approach that has enveloped

All that come to know of it

Till today's well earned achievement -

Sixteen houses in the realm

Still affording cure, relievement,

Still with Elly at the helm

Thus the Fellowship delivers

Folk like me who have been ill

Through this glorious band of givers

Who began at Richmond Hill.

Bill Bates, September 2nd 1969