Guy Lochhead, 15/07/10
Founded by pioneering plastic surgeon Archibald McIndoe (of whom I will write about separately), the Guinea Pig club aimed to rebuild his patients psychologically, and go some way to prepare them for the civilian world – something there was, and still is, little emphasis on. It began as a drinking club, and members were encouraged to lead as normal lives as possible during their stay. Patients were allowed to leave the hospital, and McIndoe even convinced families in the nearby East Grinstead to accept patients as ‘normal’ guests. The town became known as ‘the town that did not stare’. The club still meets, and provides a place for survivors to talk about their experiences. Do not include the Guinea Pig club badge, as it is too time and place- specific. Instead, include some sort of East Grinstead souvenir in the pocket of the first character’s uniform.