Chairman J.S.L. Coxwell Writes:-
The following newsletter was distributed to members of the society as a means of informing them of events etc. This newsletter written by the then Chairman J.S.L. Coxwell, it was an open letter to members requesting support for the Open Day and Fete to be held in July 1960. It details the launch of the Chapel building fund which dominated the work of the league throughout the 1960's.
This printed letter written in June 1960.
DEAR FRIEND,
The second year of the League has now ended and perhaps you may have thought that little has been done during this time. The Committee decided that the past year should be one of consolidation in view of the Refugee Fund Appeal which was being launched in The district, and that a renewed all-out effort should be made from Now on.
Some of the area organisers have been working steadily to Increase membership, and the Committee is most grateful to them. Some area organisers, have not done so well, and two have had to resign. We do need a better coverage of the district and would be Grateful to hear from people who would become area organisers where required.
The Committee hopes that many will attend the Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, June 28th, 1960, to be held at Heatherwood Hospital at 8.15 p.m., and so demonstrate the continued interest in the League. It would help the Treasurer if area organisers would bring to the meeting subscriptions collected to date.
On Saturday, July 9th 1960, a Fete will be held in the Hospital Grounds, commencing at 2.15 p.m. This will be opened by Mrs. Gerald Lascelles, the wife of our President, at 2.45 p.m., by which time it is hoped a good crowd will have assembled.
The object of the Fete is to launch the appeal for funds for the Chapel, which the League hope to have erected in the Hospital grounds. The Matron and her staff have worked magnificently in arranging many stalls and amusements, and it is up to all members of the League to show appreciation by attending and persuading the public to put in an appearance. You can also help by letting everyone know of the Fete.
Many of the stalls will be presided over by nurses. They will have to return to their duties at the Hospital at 5.30 p.m., thus the Fete will only be open for three hours---not a very long time in which to interest the public and obtain financial rewards from them for all the good things On display. This; is where you, as a member of the League, can help. If a sufficient number of stall helpers can be found, the show can go on after 5.30 p.m. If you would like to assist the nurses, will you please fill in and send the subjoined slip to the Matron. It will mean your meeting the Matron at 2 p.m., in order to receive details of the later duties.
The Committee does hope you and your friends will support both the Annual General Meeting and the Fete in large numbers, and do your best to publicize them both. With the completion of the Hospital extension drawing near, many opportunities for service and the supply of additional amenities will occur. In our first year two television sets were given and installed by the League. More may be needed for the new wards. in addition to other articles.
The Chapel Fund is the greatest challenge of all, and to many, the greatest need, and it is hoped that the Fete will result in a very large sum towards it.
Yours sincerely
J. S. L. COXWELL
CHAIRMAN.