Celebration of Friends Voices at King George Hospital

Rebuilding Friendships in the hospital community

On 27th June, the Friends were delighted to hold a half day event in the restaurant at the hospital.

Five of the long-standing volunteers have recorded their stories of volunteering as part of the “Friends Voices’’ project, and Friday was the opportunity to show those stories with the wider hospital

Postcards were available to share the stories.

Sweets were also there, around every table, and the story of the League of Friends over the years was shared with each persons. Attached to each packet of sweets was a business card, encouraging people to keep in touch and get involved.

During the day we spoke to about 100 people. People were aware of the shop but interested in the wider story. Many actually thought the League of Friends had closed, and were excited to discover it is still active. Without exception, people asked if we would reopen the shop in the atrium.

Chatting to Ruth Joyce, she was delighted with the day and its different formats, which had meant that the Friends had spoken with so many people and been able to share their past, present, and hopes for the future.

Change of the Guard at King George Hospital

Over fifty years ago, three couples put an enormous amount of time and effort into creating and running the League of Friends of King George Hospital. Those valiant people have made way for younger people who continue to fly the flag. Sadly, of those original people, I'm sad to announce the recent passing of two of those original people, Pam Goldring, who left the league some time ago but worked for many years as shop manager, and Don Wyman, our Chairperson for many years and recent President. We pass our deepest condolences on to their nearest and dearest.

Following on from this, at our recent AGM, our amazing Treasurers, Sue and Derek Jacobs, have decided to stand down, and hand over to someone new. I would like to say a huge thank you to them for their many, many years of hard work ensuring that our finances are kept in the magnificent condition that they are today.

They have handed this role over to Sona Sladkova who is a very safe and efficient pair of hands and who, I know, will do a magnificent job.

Thanks you and welcome Sona.

Ruth Joyce, Chair