League of Friends Newsletter 1962

Chairman writes an appeal-

The following newsletter was distributed to members of the society as a means of informing them of events etc. This particular newsletter from the early years of the society shows the amount of work which was being undertaken by the league in it's efforts to have the chapel built at Heatherwood.

To ALL MEMBERS OF THE LEAGUE AND OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS,

Some time has elapsed since our last news letter and we feel sure the following will be of interest to both old and new members.

Mr. Arthur Cheney, our original Secretary, unfortunately found that he could not devote as much time as he had originally thought possible, and resigned. Our thanks go to him for all his efforts in our early days, when we had many teething problems. We are grateful to Mrs.Lilian Story for taking over the duties of Secretary and for so ably carrying these out.

Comment:-

Mr Arthur Cheney was a local business man and until recently the family shop was still trading in the High Street Bracknell.

We have recently had a big drive for new members, with very gratifying results. The latest figure is 714 and, we would like to thank our Area representatives and their Collectors who have worked so hard to achieve this excellent result and also the many people and organisations who have sent donations. We are delighted at the response to our efforts to get more members from Bracknell.

Through the good offices of the newly formed Rotary Club at Bracknell a circular letter has been sent to all factories in the area inviting them to a meeting to learn more about the League.

Fund raising activities during the past year included the opening of the grounds at Fort Belvedere on May 20th. This was kind1y made possible by our President, the Honourable Gerald Lascelles and Mrs. Lascelles. This proved an outstanding success. Over 2,000 people attended and the sum of £328 was raised towards our Chapel Fund'.

On May 26th a successful dance was held at Heatherwood Hospital, resulting in a profit of £34.

The question of visits to patients after being discharged from hospital and giving real service, is being dealt with by members of the League and this problem is being studied with a view to its extension.

Financial Position.

At the present moment our financial position is that we have nearly £250 in the General Account, and £1,526 in the Chapel Fund', which sum is invested. The Treasurer, Mr. S. J. Maskell, Barclays Bank, Ascot, would be pleased, to receive {from Collectors any money collected before April 28th, 1962, this being the end of the financial year. Please help him by sending details and cash to him by not later than April 25th.

Forthcoming Events.

On Friday, March 16th, we are holding another of our popular dances at Heatherwood Hospital. These dances are now well-known for the excellent buffet suppers and good dance music and tickets are difficult to obtain near the date of the dance. Numbers are limited in view of the size of the hall, so members are urged to get their tickets early (price 12/6, including Buffet Supper) from Mr. G. Butcher, at the Ascot Printing Works, Queen's Place, Ascot.

On Tuesday, April 3rd, Pat Manby will be giving her spring and Summer Dress Show at the Wentworth Club and is kindly donating the proceeds to our funds. The Show will start at 3 o'clock and will be followed by afternoon tea. Tickets (price 3/6) are obtainable from all branches or Pat Manby and from our Secretary, Mrs. L. K. Story, Pine Lodge, Coronation Rood, South Ascot.

Our Annual General Meeting will be held at Heatherwood Hospital at 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 7th, at which Area Representatives will be invited to tell the meeting very briefly what they are doing.

On Saturday, October 20th, we are holding a Bazaar at the Royal Enclosure, which has kindly been placed at our disposal by the Ascot Authority. We hope that this will be a really big and successful event. Our Area Representatives and Collectors are taking an active part in this project and we hope all members and their friends will support us.

We understand that in the new Hospital Plan the Heatherwood Hospital will be scheduled for big development and this will undoubtedly leave plenty of scope for help from the League of Friends.