WEST BERKSHIRE COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

Edwina Cooper and I were invited by Muriel Kirkham of the League of Friends to attend the Community Hospital annual carol service in St Nicolas Church on the evening of 13 December. On our arrival, we were given a programme in which the Chairman of the League gave thanks to the League member, supporters and the public in fund raising enabling £200,000 worth of equipment to be purchased during the year. Also at the service was the Chairman of West Berkshire Council Andrew Rowles and his lady, Mrs Wendy Carpenter and the Mayor of Thatcham, Phil Dray and his wife.
The service followed the conventional lines with 7 lessons and carols. Most of the lesson readers were staff of the hospital; Peter Constable, consultant eye surgeon; Graham Stiff, general practitioner; Sue Bishop, Matron; and Sarah Deal, Sister, Highclere Ward. Other readers were Mavis Greenhalgh of the League of Friends, Reverend David Stone, Rector of St Nicolas Church and myself. The address was given by the Hospital Chaplain, Revd Canon Bernard Dagnall and the prayers and blessing given by Revd John Stannard, Minister of the Newbury Baptist Church. After the service we went into the hall to enjoy a cup of coffee and mince pies, which were very welcome. It was an excellent service and I am sure the retiring collection would be used by the League for more good use in the Hospital.