Early Career and Foundations of Service

Ann’s early life laid the groundwork for her lifelong commitment to care and public service. Educated in Wales and Ireland, she began her nursing career at the Lister Hospital before completing midwifery training at Broadgreen in Liverpool.

Her specialist theatre training at the Hammersmith Hospital in 1961 coincided with the beginning of her long and happy marriage to the late John Wickham, who was a Urological Surgeon at Barts whose pioneering work in minimal-access and robotic surgery helped shape modern clinical practice. Together, Ann and John formed a partnership devoted to the advancement of healthcare and service.

Extensive Charitable and Cultural Contributions

Alongside her professional career, Ann accumulated a vast portfolio of charitable and heritage-based work.

• She devoted 25 years to the National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts Societies (now The Arts Society), holding significant appointments during which time she also founded the Church Recording Group, which documented the artistic heritage of Anglican churches across England.
• She gave 19 years of service to Guildford Cathedral, becoming its honorary Curator.
• She spent 32 years as a member of the Worshipful Company of Barbers, being elected a Freeman of the Company, following the tradition set by her husband John.
• She contributed 23 years to the Hospital Archives Department at Barts, supporting the preservation of the institution’s extensive historical records.
• She was also appointed an Honorary Porter of Spitalfields Market, an affectionate recognition from the local community.

These achievements reflect Ann’s longstanding commitment to heritage, culture, and charitable outreach well beyond the walls of the Hospital.

Distinguished Service to Barts Guild

It is within Barts Guild, however, that Ann’s service has been most profound.
Joining in 1966, Ann has since given 59 years of continuous and dedicated support. An exceptional record marked by leadership, commitment, and an unwavering belief in the Guild’s mission.

Her senior roles have included:

• Three terms on the Management Committee
• Two terms as Chairman
• Thirteen years as Vice-President
• Seventeen years as President

Her leadership guided the Guild through significant chapters of development and renewal, strengthening its support for the Hospital and enhancing its standing within the community.

In 2022, Ann founded Barts Guild Cares, an initiative encouraging volunteers to produce knitted and handcrafted items for sale in the Guild Shop. This project has since become a valued part of the Guild’s charitable activities.

Ann Wickham’s extraordinary service has been recognised with numerous honours over the years:

• 2016 – Awarded the League of Mercy Medal for 50 years of voluntary service
• 2020 – Made a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Nurses
• 2023 – Awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for her charitable work at St Bartholomew’s and her service to the London community, included in His Majesty King Charles III’s first honours list

In recognition of her unparalleled service, the Guild has presented to Ann:

• Honorary Life Membership, and
• The historic title of President Emerita of Barts Guild

Ann Wickham’s lifelong dedication to service, heritage preservation, and community leadership stands as an inspiring example to all who support Barts Guild. Her achievements and her steadfast commitment to the values of the Guild will continue to shape and strengthen the organisation for generations to come.

To listen to her story, please follow this link: https://friendsvoices.co.uk/the-collection/ann-wickham-guild-of-st-bartholomew/