Our History

est. 1786

The History of The norfolk benevolent Medical Society

Founded in 1786

Founded in 1786 by Edward Rigby (a pioneer of obstetrics in Norwich). He introduced vaccination to Norfolk, was Norwich Sheriff in 1803, Mayor in 1805 and did much to improve the care of the poor of Norwich. The NBMS is now the oldest surviving benevolent medical society in the UK.

Initial subscription was a minimum of one guinea.

Founded to Provide Assistance

Founded to provide assistance to the orphans and widows of medical men and for medical men who had to retire through ill health.

Five Families Supported by 1832

By 1832 five families had received ongoing support for between 26 and 46 years.

Registered Friendly Society

Registered as a Friendly Society in 1845.

First Educational Grant

Awarded its first educational grant of £50 to the daughter of a member to help with her expenses studying for an MA at London University in 1909.

Educational Endowment Fund Set Up

Educational endowment Fund set up in 1917. It seems this was not entirely supported as grants were sometimes made to support family members who were not in financial need. Last grant made from Educational endowment fund in 1945 and it was abolished in 1971.

Expanded Our Support

In the early 2000's under chairmanship of David Welsh and Brian Payne there was discussion on how to widen the scope of our support. In 2012 membership was expanded from doctors, working or living in Norfolk, to include medical students at UEA for a small subscription.

Student Membership Auto-Enrollement

Student membership was opened so medical students at UEA are auto-enrolled at no cost in 2017.

Yearly Grants Awarded

Since 2017, the Society has on average awarded grants to 8-12 medical students each year

Norfolk benevolent medical society

Joining the NBMS

Who is eligible for the NBMS?

Any registered doctor living or working in Norfolk is eligible to join. Prospective members are proposed by existing members – generally this is a formality. All UEA Norwich Medical School MBBS students are eligible to apply for support from the Society if they are in receipt of a recent award from the UEA’s Hardship or Access to Learning Funds.

How to join

We are always keen to recruit new members. You can apply for membership online or request a paper copy of the membership application from our office address. The current annual membership is only £15/year for a doctor. The potential support package, at the discretion of the committee, may be significant.

Apply For Support

Support the NBMS

Norfolk benevolent medical society

FAQs

How can we help?

All awards are at the discretion of the committee. Support can be in the form of one off grants, regular support and a financial review by an experienced financial adviser…

do I have to be in formal education or employment to benefit?

Any registered doctor living or working in Norfolk is eligible to join.

Is the fund just for Doctors or does it Extend to dependants?’

The NBMS offers financial support for doctors and UEA medical students as well as financial support to widows…