ABSTRACT

To know ‘Chelsea’ is to appreciate that there has always been a ‘pioneering’ spirit of optimism manifest in the outcomes of the wide range of work and achievements of staff and students from 1898 to 1998. This characteristic attitude and philosophy stemmed from the vision of its founder, Dorette Wilke, through the initiatives of its various leaders and staff to the progressive contribution of its students and Old Students as committed professional members of communities, whether general, specialist, local, regional, national or international. It is true that ‘Chelsea’ has had many troughs, as well as peaks, in its history, but it has always been recognized as ‘a centre of excellence’ in academic, practical and professional terms of which it and its various parent bodies can be proud. Such recognition, however, has only been attained through consistency of purpose and dedicated work.