Henley St John Ambulance Unit Closes After 115 Years

Henley's St John Ambulance unit, founded in 1911, has closed. Its volunteers now cover the town from the West Berkshire Network, and one has served 50 years.

St John Ambulance’s Henley Unit has closed, 115 years after the town’s first ambulance division was set up in 1911. The charity says its volunteers are not leaving Henley. They now serve the town as part of its West Berkshire Network.

The closure was marked at an event on 17 April 2026. Past and present members came, along with friends, supporters and volunteers from neighbouring networks. The charity says the evening recognised the unit and the people who had volunteered through it over the years.

A medal for 50 years

During the event, Jackie Trinder was presented with the St John Ultra Long Service medal. It recognises 50 years of volunteering with St John Ambulance. Berkshire County Commissioner Paul Monahan made the presentation.

A man in a pale blue shirt holds a framed certificate and a small case as he makes a presentation to a woman in a lilac cardigan, in a hall with a wooden floor, while guests look on — A presentation at the Henley Unit's 115th anniversary and closure event. Photo: supplied by St John Ambulance

What the volunteers still do in Henley

Henley volunteers from the West Berkshire Network carry on the work the unit did. According to St John Ambulance, that means:

first aid cover at local events, including the Wargrave & Shiplake Regatta
chances for people in the area to learn lifesaving first aid skills

From 1911 to now

The Henley Ambulance Division was established in 1911. The charity says photographs from that year show its volunteers gathered outside Henley Town Hall.

Over the decades that followed, volunteers gave first aid at events and taught people across the town first aid skills. St John Ambulance says its historical records include photographs and other material about its work in Henley. Among them is the opening of Brunner Hall, which the charity’s release says was carried out by “the Duchess of Gloucestershire”.

Several of its volunteers have been honoured by the town itself:

Harold Barlow OBE OStJ was the first person to receive the Henley Town Medal. He was recognised for more than 50 years of service with St John Ambulance and for his contribution to Henley.
Michael Yeo and Julia Yeo were awarded Henley Town Medals in September 2002, for their work with St John Ambulance and their service to the town.

Timeline of St John Ambulance in Henley: 1911, Henley Ambulance Division established; September 2002, Michael and Julia Yeo awarded Henley Town Medals; 17 April 2026, event marks the Henley Unit's closure and Jackie Trinder receives the Ultra Long Service medal for 50 years; now, Henley volunteers serve from the West Berkshire Network, giving first aid at events and first aid training — Key dates for St John Ambulance in Henley, from the charity's release. Graphic by The Henley Post

“I’ve enjoyed every minute of it”

Julia Yeo has been with the Henley volunteers for more than half a century.

“I’ve been with (St John Ambulance) Henley for 51 years, and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it,” she said. “Everyone can look forward to seeing the Henley girls on parade for remembrance this year.

“We’ll be a part of Henley life for years to come!”

This year’s Henley Remembrance Sunday falls on 8 November.

A rectangular chocolate cake with Henley 115 spelled out in chocolate pieces, decorated with white and dark chocolate stars and the St John Ambulance eight-pointed cross emblem, on a table covered with a Union flag — The anniversary cake, with "Henley 115" spelled out in chocolate and St John Ambulance emblems. Photo: supplied by St John Ambulance

How to volunteer

St John Ambulance says anyone who wants to join the next chapter in Henley can find out about volunteering on its volunteering page.