OUR DIAMOND YEAR
Throughout 2025 we will be celebrating 60 years of the Civil Service Retirement Fellowship. Honouring a legacy of Service and Community
Welcome to the 60th anniversary celebration of the Civil Service Retirement Fellowship (CSRF)! For six remarkable decades, we have been at the heart of supporting, connecting, and empowering retired civil servants across the United Kingdom. Since we were founded in 1965, we have been dedicated to fostering a sense of belonging and community among former civil servants, helping them stay engaged, socially connected and fulfilled during their retirement years.
A Rich History of Service
Established in 1965, we were created from an idea by the MP, Douglas Houghton, who had a vision of the Civil Service providing something more than just a pension to former members of staff. We recognised the need for continued support and connection after retirement and set out to provide a network for retirees, encouraging social activities, friendship and a support system that endures beyond the workplace.
Our mission has always been about more than retirement – it’s about enhancing quality of life, creating a sense of purpose and celebrating the achievements and experiences of all our beneficiaries.
Celebrating Together: 60 Years of Fellowship
This 60th anniversary is a testament to the strength of our community and the impact we have made together. Throughout the year, we will be hosting a series of events, both online and in person, that highlight our history and look ahead to the future of the organisation. This celebration is all about YOU – our supporters and volunteers who make CSRF a success.
Our anniversary isn’t just a milestone; it’s an opportunity to reflect on the values that brought us here and to renew our commitment to the well-being of civil service retirees. As we celebrate this historic year, we invite members, supporters, and friends to join us in paying tribute to the friendships, memories, and enduring spirit of public service that define the CSRF.
National Events
There will be a few national activities taking place during the year:
9th April Friendship Lunch hosted by the Chief Executive & Fellowship Office team in Greenwich on Fellowship Day (the date we were founded).
15th July National AGM & 60th Celebrations, Admiralty House, London
Local Events
(for more information, contact the group contact shown on the group listings page of the website)
9th April Eltham Group – celebration tea at Royal Blackheath Golf Club
14th April Caerphilly Group – Meal at local hotel with cake
5th June Edinburgh Group – Drinks Reception, Cornerstone Café, 4pm-6pm
9th June Bradford-on-Avon Group – Diamond Celebration
9th June Lisburn Group – Diamond Celebration – Lunch at the Mulberry Tree
9th June Banbridge/Belfast/Craigavon Group – Diamond Celebration – Lunch at the Belmont Hotel
Join Us in Shaping the Future
While we honour our past, we are also looking to the future with renewed energy and purpose. The needs of retirees have evolved, and so have we. We are looking at how we can expand our programmes, enhance our befriending schemes and adapting to meet the interests of our beneficiaries.
Whether you’re a long-time supporter or someone just joining the CSRF family, we invite you to be part of this exciting time in our history. Together, let’s make this 60th anniversary a memorable year and build a future that continues to enrich the lives of civil service retirees for generations to come.
If you are retired, you can sign up as an annual supporter by clicking HERE
If you are a serving Civil Servant you can join us as a Digital Donor by clicking HERE
Join us in celebrating 60 years of community, connection and friendship.