League of Friends Newsletter 1967

 The following newsletter was distributed to members of the society as a means of informing them of events etc.

This particular newsletter from 1967 shows that the membership had fallen from it's high figure of 1000 to 700 but this fall had not stopped the support of individuals in assisting in hospital depts etc. An element of pride is evident with the completion of the chapel.

 We are frequently receiving requests for up-to-date information regarding our activities and hope that the following will prove of interest to all our members and to those who would like to join the League of Friends. We make a point of giving full information at our General Meeting held in the Hospital Dance Hall each June but unfortunately not everyone can attend, which is a pity.

Our membership is now in the region of 700. This is due in no small measure to the hard work carried out by our area representatives and their Collectors in a round-the-year collection of subscriptions and drive for new members. We have also gained several new members as a result of the League Notice-Board (containing letters of invitation to join) which is situated in the Outpatients Department of the Hospital.

We still receive valuable support from local industries, for which we are most grateful, also from the Ex-Servicemen's Club, from the proceeds of the car park during Ascot Week.

We continue to hold dances twice a year at the hospital and these are extremely popular and well known for the excellent buffet suppers and good dance music.

You will, no doubt, be interested to know what we do with the money. Working in close contact with the hospital authorities and on Matron's recommendation, we have been able to provide many amenities. To date these are :-

This has meant an expenditure of £1,372.

Our financial position at the moment is that we have £392 in the General Account, and £104 in the Chapel Fund.

Our greatest triumph since the publication of the last newsletter has, of course, been the erection and Dedication of the Chapel of Saint. Luke costing nearly £7,500 most of which has been collected.

The Chapel was started early in 1965 the foundation stone being laid by General Dawnay in September of that year. The Dedication by the Bishop of Reading assisted by Clergy of all denominations took place on 7th June 1966, since when the Chapel has been in regular use for services, both for Staff and the Hospital patients and their relatives and visitors, thereby providing for the spiritual as well as the material welfare of all concerned.

Regarding personal services, several members are still doing wonderful work in assembling pre-packed dressings. This service, which was instituted rather in the nature of an experiment as far as one or two of the wards were concerned, has proved so very successful and helpful to the nursing staff, that our members now pack these dressings for all wards. This, in addition to assistance given in the outpatients department.

On occasions we are told of patients who are without friends or relations near and would welcome a visit from a member of the League of Friends, and we have been very happy to help in this way. We do, in fact, pride ourselves on carrying out the aims of the League in giving practical aid in the form of amenities to the patients and staff, and personal service when called upon.

There is still plenty to be done as the needs of people, especially the sick, are not diminishing and the greater number of helpers, and the more contributions we can gather, all assists in carrying on this so worth while and rewarding service.

Mrs. Joyce Gardner, our Secretary for several years, is leaving the district in the next few months so we are looking for someone to fill her place. We owe a great deal to our Secretaries and they have performed their duties with a sense of dedication, with good humour and have been most efficient. We hope we can find someone to replace Mrs. Gardner but if any reader of this letter knows anyone who would volunteer please let us know.