League of Friends

A Welcome Helping Hand

Derek Coombes — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:10:11 +0000

The Flower Arrangers had unexpected help this year when removing the Christmas decorations.

A young Paratrooper visiting from Wiltshire approached us and offered to help with the dismantling and packing away of the trees and decorations. He helped with such a cheerful enthusiasm and speed the job was finished in record time.

He left six grateful ladies (of a certain age) very impressed that whilst on leave he chose to spend time helping us. It proves that the age of chivalry is not dead.

Thank you Luke, you are a credit to the Paratroopers. We are lucky to have such men as you.

The Flower Arrangers

New Year Greetings

Derek Coombes — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 21:01:10 +0000

The League of Friends would like to thank all its volunteers and members for all their support in 2011 and wishes everyone a very Happy New Year.

November Newsletter Now on-line.

Derek Coombes — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 21:02:15 +0000

The November edition of the League of Friends Newsletter is now availble to download from the “Newsletter” menu pick under the “News” tab.

Why wait for the postie to bring it, read it now! Click the image below.

2011 Christmas Fayre

Derek Coombes — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 20:58:38 +0000

The 2011 CHRISTMAS FAYRE Will be held on SATURDAY 3rd DECEMBER in the COFFEE SHOP from 1:00pm. until 4:30pm. The raffle will be drawn at 4:00pm. This is one of our major fund raising events so do please come along and support us. There will be various stalls for you to enjoy.

Norman Wiley

Derek Coombes — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 09:55:31 +0000

Sadly, last week we lost another stalwart of the League of Friends, Norman Wiley. For many years Norman was a regular in the Coffee Shop on Monday mornings and was also present at many other events, including the Summer Fete helping out on the refreshments stall.

Norman also started the Stamp Appeal in 1995 and up until he had to give it up earlier this year had raised nearly £15,000 for the League.

Norman had several health issues over the last few years but always had a cheerful face and a kind word to all who met him. He will be sadly missed and our thoughts are with Dorothy and his family.

A true Gentleman.

September Newsletter now on-line

Derek Coombes — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 14:27:17 +0000

The September edition of the League of Friends Newsletter is now availble to download from the “Newsletter” menu pick under the “News” tab.

Why wait for the postie to bring it, read it now!

THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2011

Derek Coombes — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 14:24:53 +0000

Will be held on Tuesday 8th November at 7.00pm for 7.30pm In the EDUCATION CENTRE on the 1st floor of the hospital

Refreshments will be served in the Coffee Shop at 7.00pm.

There will be a short meeting to show how our income has been used to provide facilities to be followed by an open forum when questions may be asked about our activities and suggestions about the future of the League can be put to the Trustees.

Frances Martin, Director of Hospitals, will also address the meeting

LoF History – A story waiting to be told

Derek Coombes — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 21:03:10 +0000

As reported elsewhere, this year sees the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Leaue of Friends. We have also just had one of the volunteers pass onto us a file of papers, newletters, programmes and other items collected over years of working with the League of Friends.

This has triggered the thought that with such data to story of the League could be told. Someone may have done this already, but if not, has anyone else got data we can use to fill in the gaps?

If you have input to this initiative, please contact us.

More Sad News

Derek Coombes — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 20:51:05 +0000

We were sad to hear of the sudden death of Maurice Powell on Friday 26^th August while on holiday.

He had about 20 years of being a valuable volunteer and then a Trustee of the League of Friends but retired this year with ill health. For many years as a volunteer and then a Committee member he helped order and look after the Stores for the Coffee Shop. He gave up many hours to organise the sale of Raffle Tickets for both the Summer Fete and Christmas Fayre. At the Summer Fete he was usually found helping in the Tea Tent.

Maurice and his wife Pat were always ready to help out in the Coffee Shop when needed.

Everybody who knew him will sorely miss Maurice especially the Monday afternoon volunteers who worked with him and Pat each week.

We send our sympathy and condolences to Pat and family.

25th Anniversary Celebrations

Derek Coombes — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 10:16:19 +0000

25 years ago, when it was decided to build the new General hospital in Redditch, the “Friends” of Smallwood Hospital decided to form the “League of Friends” at the new Alexandra Hospital.

Since then the League of Friends has raised millions of pounds to support the hospital, its staff and of course the patients. So this years, 2011, celebrations are being held to commemorate the last 25 years. Volunteers are being invited to a special lunch so watch out for your invitation.

If you are not a volunteer or friend of the hospital, and would like to support us as we embark on the next 25 years, please click on the Volunteering panel to the right on this page.