Those We Remember
The following - using quotes and articles - recognises and reminds us of those who have planted the roots for Attend from which we continue to grow.
Pamela Morton OBE
Pam Morton’s life with Attend
To explain, I am the Chief Executive of the National body that co-ordinates the League of Friends. The older I get, the more conscious I become that we all see people through the lens which we know them. Today I want to pay tribute to Pam as a woman leader in the voluntary sector.
I first met Pam some 20 plus years ago. She had been involved in the periphery of our organisation in activities, but had been busy moving to Kentmere Drive. Her role with us was to become an important part of her life, and she always described herself as the “luckiest woman” to have this unexpected chapter beginning in her mid-seventies.
Lord Fraser of Carmyllie, with who she had a great friendship describes the women leaders of the League of Friends as “formidable women with a deep-rooted love of their community.” I well remember the AGM where he shared this reflection. I held my breath, not sure how the assembled company would respond. There was a moments silence, then a general murmuring, and nodding of heads. He had hit the nail on the head, and that description (in my view) was appropriate for Pam.
However, I want to initially focus on some of Pam’s other character traits which really contributed to her success.
For context at the National body, she really didn’t “seek greatness, but had it thrust upon her.” From early involvement as Chairman for Yorkshire in 2003, to becoming Deputy Chair in 2006, she learned her craft. We went through a difficult period (it’s not unusual in charities), and she temporarily stepped up as Chair, and then took on the role until December 2010. During those few years she travelled the length and breadth of the country from Inverness to Truro, from Bury St Edmunds to Bridgend, South Wales. There was never a month where she wasn’t on the road, rallying the troops. They take some rallying.
So the first trait I want to touch on is her interest in people. She was always interested in everyone from the staff and volunteers onwards. In quiet moments she would sit in an armchair in the corner of my office knitting and staff would pop in and out. She learned all their stories and secrets. The staff called her “Chairmum”, and she remains the only Chair to have received a Mothering Sunday card signed by all the staff group. Equally, she got to properly know local groups and their leaders well. It was a mark of their relationship when the groups in North Wales arranged a trip to the area where she had been evacuated to during the war. They wanted to honour her and their friendship.
Part of this was due to her sense of humour, another important trait. The first time I met her; the senior regional representatives were together near Euston. When lunch was announced, everyone needed to move to an adjacent room. The crowd streamed out, and I was left to lock up. Pam alone, was meticulously applying lipstick. As a man, I couldn’t quite see the point, wasn’t she about to eat and drink? Wouldn’t it come off? So, I enquired, with a cheeky grin “was she trying to catch someone’s eye.” Her response was “at my age, you have to be ever vigilant for the opportunity.” That unexpected and witty style of responding, became the hallmark of her time with us, and it was definitely designed to raise a smile, and even a belly laugh. It made her unforgettable.
Her personality meant that she could mix with, and chat to everyone, whoever they were. Her love of all things “established”, meant she was always delighted when her role took her within the orbit of the Royals. The Duke of York was our Patron, and that meant private audiences at Buckingham Palace. His offices were all at the front overlooking the monument to Queen Victoria.
On one occasion, there was a throaty motorbike group going round and round. He was distracted and looked out of the window, you could see the rising irritation. As he turned back, he asked Pam what she thought? Her response was “it’s like Helmsley on a Saturday.” He looked slightly perplexed, then laughed out loud. The tension was broken. A useful trait.
On another occasion, at Buckingham Palace, the meeting that immediately preceded us was from the Ambassador from Borneo. He had presented the Duke of York with blow pipes and darts. Within moments, the Duke of York and Pam were in the corridor having a competition, to see whose dart would go the furthest. I am not sure if my role was to be target, (an easy target to hit) or just collect the darts, but it involved me standing at the other end of the corridor. Fortunately, the corridors are long, and Pam had COPD. Authentic playfulness really helped.
The other trait I want to comment on was Pam recognised her own limitations, and when she needed help, asked for it, and welcomed it. She was at her best when part of a team. My role might be to lend an arm, as we bought up a “magnificent rear” (her words not mine), or to draft a speech. She was always grateful, gave credit and a pleasure to help.
I want to go back to “being a formidable woman, with a deep-rooted love of the community.”
As part of her role Pam received two significant honours. The first she described as “for her efforts.” It was the Order of Mercy, an old Victorian Order, presented originally for services to hospitals, and given in very grand surroundings in the Egyptian Room, at Mansion House.
The second was her OBE for services to volunteering. She never tired of explaining the difference between an MBE and an OBE. MBE: “my bloody effort,” OBE: “other buggers effort.” She never failed to mention it was because of her role as the Chair of a national charity that she received it, and that it was a recognition of every single volunteer, in every single League of Friends. Their efforts.
Formidable, meant standing up for values she believed in but also doing things that aren’t easy. There was one occasion when we were in north-west England. I was on the platform, and one of the chaps in the audience, who was well known for having an anti-London agenda was treating me like a “coconut on a shy.” When he had fired his volleys, Pam stood up and thumped her stick on the floor and proclaimed, “I will not have my Chief Executive spoken to like that” to the gathered company, the room was instantly silent. No further negative comments, and a private apology from his Chair. She could be formidable.
In closing. Pams natural curiosity, and compassion meant that she was interested in so many communities. At Attend, she introduced two new communities to our fairly eccentric and eclectic family, she loved them both.
In 2009, we were advised that the London Brain Injury Centre was closing. Within 24 hours, Pam was on a train into London and had visited the service. Within a week, it was relocated to our offices, where it still remains. We have an average 175 new beneficiaries join the service, every year and have worked with over 2500 brain injury survivors since she got us involved.
Then by 2015, Pam had retired, and was a Vice President. We were considering a new service to encourage the community to better support care homes. Amarna House just round the corner from here today was one of our first locations, and she was one of the first regular volunteers. She remained President of that local group right up until her death.
So, from her mid 70’s right through to her mid 90’s Pam was passionate and engaged with her wider community, working hard to improve the lives of others.
However, we were always very aware that she was ‘on loan’ to us. Never a conversation was had, where those she loved were not mentioned.
Mary and Michael, Graeme, David, Tamsin and Ren, Jack and Orna, Jo, Wendy, Aurene. Her cousins Mary-Anne, Janet, Kirsty, her cat Maisie and the list could go on and on. She cared about you all, was aware of individual achievements and both proud of, and shared in successes. She really was a force of nature, and we too feel her loss deeply.
As an organisation we have been proud of our association with Pam. One of the phrases that I was struck by recently was “you finally die when the last living person mentions you.” On that basis Pam will live for many, many decades. There are stories like the one of her trousers falling down in this Church, or phrases like “crimes of Paris,” “snackette,” and “ever is vigilant for the opportunity” have become embedded in Attend’s culture’ and are being repeated by young people who have volunteered with us, and are now all around the world. I am quite convinced as a formidable woman with a deep-rooted love of communities, she will outlive us all. She has inspired many, and that is a legacy which will endure for decades.
On behalf of the 400 Leagues of Friends across the country, and the 25,000 active volunteers, we miss you Pam Morton, and we will remember you.
Sir William Wells KBE
Sir William Wells career encompassed senior positions in public health, commercial property, insurance and small business. Sir William Wells was the Chairman of the Department of Health Commercial Advisory Board, which advises ministers on the effects of policy on the private sector. In 2001 he established the NHS Appointments Commission and became its Chairman. Sir William was also a former Governor of the Royal Free Hospital, London, and Regional Chairman of the South Thames Region. Sir William was Managing Partner and then Chairman of Chesterton chartered surveyors for 34 years, where he oversaw their transition from a private partnership to a listed company. Sir William was Chairman of ADL, an AIM-listed care home provider and of CMG plc, a specialist in the care of adults and children with learning difficulties, and a director of Urban Village, which is developing a mixed use village in Shoreditch to provide homes, support and training for over 300 homeless people. Sir William Wells became Treasurer of the National Association in 1992, and remained in post until 2005.
Bridget Foley, our Chairman received the following letter from Sir Williams wife
Dear Bridget
Thank you so much for your lovely letter. William was involved in so many different things, it was hard to keep up with him sometimes. I was really pleased to learn how Attend came about. I have received an incredible amount of letters and cards from all sorts of people William helped and was associated with. I wish I could tell him all the lovely things people have said about him and how, in some cases, he changed their lives! Life is very strange without him, but I am so comforted that he is no longer suffering. Parkinson's is a very cruel disease, but he never complained and was incredibly brave until the day he died.
I so appreciated you writing to me, with very best wishes, Penelope Wells
Mrs Kathleen Fox MBE, Order of Mercy
Mrs Kathleen Fox always gave fine contributions to our Deeside daily lives. She was an outstanding student nurse in Liverpool. As a district nurse she rode her bicycle down the country’s lanes and round many of our housing estates. Kath brought her natural cheerfulness and unerring professionalism to so many in need of her health care.
As Head of Mancot Maternity Hospital she welcomed many countless anxious fathers and comforted all young mothers. This NHS stalwart welcomed our then great Queen to the new Deeside Hospital opening. Kath had a major part in planning this state of the art community building. She managed the transfer from Mancot to Aston with aplomb. In many ways our Community Hospital has become the very heart of Deeside – with her then deputy Mrs Megan Jolly it was made a Rolls Royce establishment.
Kath was a good citizen outside of hospital nursing and management. She was a loyal contributor to her chapel congregation and a committed committee person e.g. concerning cancer.
It was obvious she had leadership capabilities and always considerable integrity of character – a most respectable, self disciplined person indeed.
I had the honour to be her President when Kath so ably chaired, for so many years, the Hospital’s League of Friends . Hundreds of thousands of pounds were raised for our patients – every penny for patients too!!!
This strong, marvellous servant of the NHS was a distinguished recipient of The Order of Mercy. And our Queen Elizabeth awarded her the MBE. They were deserved honours to a selfless person.
Whenever Lady Janet and myself visited Mancot and Deeside Hospitals, over more than a quarter of a century, Kath greeted us with courtesy and friendship.
Kath was a most professional member of the Nursing Army. Her complete devotion to duty will always be remembered and admired.
The patient always came first with Mrs Kathleen Fox MBE, Order of Mercy.
Rt. Hon. Lord Barry Jones
Fiona, Lady Aird CVO
Lady Aird, CVO, was a Lady-in-Waiting to the late Princess Margaret, and was widow of courtier Sir Alastair Aird, GCVO, private secretary to the Queen Mother.
She was born Fiona Violet Myddelton, 24 September 1934, scion of that landed gentry family, daughter of lieutenant-Colonel Ririd Myddleton, LVO (1902-88), Coldstream Guards, and his wife Lady Mary Margaret Elizabeth Petty-Fitzmaurice (1910-2003), sister of the 8th Marquess of Lansdowne (1912-1999).
Fiona Myddelton was appointed an Extra Lady-in-Waiting to HRH the Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon in 1960 and served the Princess in that capacity until HRH’s death in 2002.
She married 22 July, 1963, Alastair Sturgis Aird, scion of the Aird baronets, son of Malcolm Henry Aird, OBE and his wife the former Joan Meredith Sturgis. Alastair Aird served as an Equerry to HM Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother and was Her Majesty’s assistant private secretary from 1964 to 1973, Comptroller to the Queen Mother’s Household, 1974 – 2002, and private Secretary to Her Majesty from 1993 until her demise, in March 2002.
Lady Aird was appointed LVO in 1980 and advanced to CVO in 2001. She received the Order of Mercy in 2003 for her services to volunteering in health.
Her daughter Caroline says.
“ I cannot remember a time when the Middlesex and League of Friends were not part of our lives. Due to the Astor connection, Mama considered it part of her DNA to support in any way she could and it was no hardship to do so”.
As part of her involvement with Friends, Lady Aird became a Vice President of the National Association of Leagues of Hospital Friends (now Attend) in 1995, and in the early days her most notable contribution was as Chair of the Committee on the project funded by GlaxoSmithKline to help build the capacity of local groups. This is still mentioned by many today.
Contact has always been maintained with Fiona. Recently she took part in the ‘Friends Voices’ project, and she can be heard by clicking on the link here
Fiona (nee myddleton) CVO, widow of Sir Alastair Aird, GCVO died on 11th February 2023 peacefully at Amesbury Abbey Nursing Home aged 88. She will be much missed by her two daughters, Caroline and Henrietta, and her four grandchildren. There will be a private cremation followed by a Service of Thanksgiving on 20th March at 2.30 p.m at St Gregory’s Church, Marnhull. No flowers please but donations if desired to Attend, previously known as The Hospital League of Friends, c/o Bracher Brothers, Newbury, Gillingham SP8 4QL
Peter Green (1929 - 2022)
We are very sorry to report the news of Peter Green's death on 23rd September 2022.
I have had the privilage of knowing Peter for over 20 years, although in recent years our contact has been more limited. We are making some recorded histories of our volunteers, and I happened to be in Nottinghamshire on 24th August and popped in to see him, with my wife Catherine. During our time with him we were able to share his story of over 70 years of volunteering, from being a "cub" journalist, through volunteering at the League of Friends of Mansfield and Sutton, to his various roles up to being Deputy Chairman of the national body from 1995 to 2003. Towards the end of this time Mike Conway, the then Chief Executive, died and Peter stepped up to keeping good relationships with member groups, doing a lot of travelling around the country.
In our conversation, Peter talked about his motivation which included his own Christian faith, and a love of people in the communities.
The final words of his interview were:
I think my life and all the bits and elements of it as being worthwhile.
Peter's beloved wife Joan died a few years ago. He leaves a son Andrew, and grandson Jordan, both of who he was very proud of.
David Wood OBE - Chief Executive of Attend
Alison Earle
It was with great sadness that we heard that Alison had passed away on 30th April 2022, rather suddenly after a short period of illness. She was a great supporter of Attend, arranging local events which included David Wood and others from ‘Head Office’. Alison spent the majority of her career in Retail Banking and in 1995 became involved with the League of Friends through her employers. She became Treasurer for the League of Friends of St Mary's Hospital Portsmouth, and went on to serve as Chairman and Deputy Chairman. Alison also represented Hampshire South for Attend and was Area Chair for Hampshire, introducing training meetings to enable the more remote groups to network and exchange ideas. Solent NHS Trust ‘recruited’ her to assist during the Covid to assist recruiting volunteers, something she only gave up at the end of January.
Deirdre Ann Fletcher
Eulogy (this is an excerpt of the original reading)
We would, quite literally, be here all day if we were to give full credit to Dee's life but, sadly, time is against us and so, what we will do, is celebrate just a small part of Dee's life through the memories of her beloved family.
When I first met Clive, Heidi and Nicki, it very quickly became obvious that Dee had many qualities. There was her love and devotion to her family and friends, her dedication to her community through her charitable work - not just her local community, but the wider community as well, her go get 'em attitude to life meaning that, once she set her mind to her next task, and persuaded her family and friends that they did indeed want to be part of whatever cause or event she was supporting, she would whip everyone up into a whirlwind of productivity. She was dynamic! And she was just a little tiny bit bossy - although, like all proactive people, she would have called it 'encouraging'.
On leaving school Dee enrolled at college in London to train as a hairdresser, a career that started her on a lifelong path of serving others.
In the mid 70's Dee started to look after the hair of residents in Balkerne Gardens, and this began her journey of involvement with the NHS, as she progressed to being the hairdresser for all the local hospitals - St Mary's, Essex County, Several, the Maternity Hospital and, when it opened, the General Hospital - she proudly cared for patients from the cradle to the grave.
She became involved with the League of Friends - with Clive being encouraged to add his support as it would be good for him! And Dee also actively supported other charitable organisations; she was Brown Owl for the girls Brownie Pack, she rose to the position of Director of Personnel in the League of Friends and, with Clive by her side and her proactive head well and truly in place, she set her sights on raising the money needed to provide the hospital with its first CAT scanner - the first of many pieces of equipment and services that Dee, and the rest of the League of Friends supplied to the NHS. Her membership of the Colchester Soroptimists - a female version of the Rotary Club, saw her rise to the rank of Madam President and, through this, her friendships became international as the organisation twinned with towns and cities in other countries - for the Colchester branch it was Emmen in Holland and Avignon in France, and Dee and Clive hosted fellow members on exchange trips with Dee, in her role as Madam President, having to deliver a speech in French on a visit to the group there. Something she did very successfully. She also engaged with international volunteers from Philadelphia through her work at the League of Friends, hosting them and visiting them in the USA.
I often ask my families what their loved one taught them in life - what is their legacy. Dee taught her family that to agree with everyone on every topic would be very boring and uninteresting indeed. She taught them that you have to work hard in life to achieve your goals, and she taught them independence. She taught them the importance of giving your time and support to others, and of listening - something that she spent the whole of her working life doing. And, through example, she taught them the importance of family. Despite all she did, the pinnacle of Dee and Clive's lives together was the arrival of their grandchildren - and they in turn thought the world of the lady whom they lovingly called Grams.
Over the last 2 years Dee was forced to take a rest from her busy life and, for the first time in a long, long time, she allowed others to care for her. I know that her family are immensely proud and thankful of Clive for the absolute dedication that he gave to Dee when she needed him most. And when Dee fell into her eternal sleep, she was where she wanted to be - in her own home with her family by her side.
Mrs Carol Cotterell
Carol was Vice President of Prince Phillip League of Hospital Friends. Mrs. Cotterell as Senior Nurse attended the LOF Meetings regularly and filtered the requests for funding by the various wards etc, she also supported the seminars that the League ran.
The following obituary was posted on facebook
It is with great sadness that Hywel Dda University Health Board confirms the recent death of Mrs Carol Cotterell, Assistant Director of Nursing based at Prince Philip Hospital, Llanelli, on 13th December 2020.
Mrs Cotterell was a much respected and admired colleague within the health board and the NHS throughout her remarkable nursing career.
Mandy Rayani, Director of Nursing, Quality & Patient Experience said: “On behalf of the health board I offer my heartfelt condolences to Mrs Cotterell’s family at this difficult time.
“I first met Mrs Cotterell in 1988 when she was a senior nurse and over the decades she demonstrated time and time again the character, professionalism and compassion that ensured the best standards of care for patients. This ethos had a lasting impact on all who knew her and worked with her.”
“Carol’s achievements and contribution to the NHS, her colleagues and patients over many years have been outstanding and will not be forgotten. She will be particularly remembered for her dedication to healthcare, her unstinting advice and guidance to colleagues, and her involvement with the League of Friends over many years, particularly at Prince Philip Hospital and Glangwili General Hospital. As well as her many outstanding professional attainments, Mrs Cotterell was also directly involved with the recruitment and support of Filipino nurses to west Wales and her interest in their career pathway and personal support never waned.”
Maria Battle, Chair of Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “Mrs Cotterell’s reputation stretched across Wales and beyond. We send our sincerest condolences to her family and colleagues and give thanks for her dedicated and outstanding service to so many.”
Margaret Parr MBE
Margaret Parr MBE was a founder member of two charities, the League of Friends of Wesham Park Hospital and the League of Friends of Rossall and Fleetwood Hospitals. A volunteer for 53 years, she also served on the North West Health Authority Board for 20 years and was a founder member of Farmer Parrs Animal World in Fleetwood. She had been involved in the original farm with her late husband James. Farmer Parrs is now overseen by son Jim, who with his brother George has continued with the farming business.
Jim said of her volunteering work: "My mother did so much remarkable work and will be missed by many people. She was the sort of person who always rememberd birthday cards for those who lived alone, and she always liked to stay busy."
Margaret's efforts as a volunteer were recognised when she was presented with an MBE in 1998 and then with the medal of the Order of Mercy in 2009 - one of a handful awarded annually.
She also wrote a book about her experiences, entitled 'History, Events and Memories on a Journey of Volunteering in the NHS over five decades'.
Peter Lewis
Peter joined the organisation as a temp, straight from his time at Imperial where he had gained a 2:1 in Chemical Engineering in 2003. He soon showed his sharp abilities and was persuaded to stay on as PA to both myself and Baroness Emerton. He was one of the first people that the organisation decided to invest in the development of, and we supported him to achieve his membership of the CIPD through the examination route. Before leaving us in 2006 for a career in the city he also managed membership. It was a time when we were developing the role in the regions and he worked with both the regional staff, and also travelled out and about to conferences meeting members.
I think the hallmark of Peter's work and character was a quiet determination which always got the job done.
While he was with us, he married Steph and some of us were delighted to attend his wedding and reception. He had two sons, Matthew and Daniel both of whom were born after he left the organisation.
After leaving us Peter had valiant battles first of all with Crohn's disease and then cancer. We understand he was told the latter had returned very recently, and he sadly died on 22nd January 2020. Whilst battling with his illness, Peter still managed to lead a very exuberant and selfless life, completing marathons and learning different things and ensuring that his children were actively involved.
He would have been 40 next September
David Wood, Chief Executive of Attend
Elizabeth Batten
“ I would like to say how privileged I have been to be associated with the League of Friends and a member of the hospital staff.” So wrote Elizabeth in 2014 after 60 years of service to the League of Friends of Salisbury Hospital. But, of course, it is the hospital and, in particular, the League who were privileged to have had the unstinting support of Elizabeth for all those years.
Volunteering and caring for others must have always been in her blood. In 1944, she joined the St. John Ambulance Cadets, helping in the wards at Salisbury General Infirmary on Sunday afternoons, making beds and serving cups of tea to patients, and, on Saturday mornings, helping in the hospital shop,In the same year, she joined the newly formed General Youth Club, and 17 years later continued to work in the Youth Service as secretary to the committee, later becoming a tutor and examiner for the newly created Duke of Edinburgh Scheme, posts she held for 20 years.
It was in 1950 that she became Junior Secretary to Trevor Mason, the Administrative Assistant to the Hospital Management Committee, and four years later was elected as a member of the inaugural committee of the re-constituted League of Friends of Salisbury Hospital (its predecessor had been disbanded in 1948 at the advent of the NHS). Her task was to represent the youth of Salisbury. She remained on this committee for 60 years, being vice- chair for 17 of them, and serving with great distinction. On retirement in 2014, she was asked by David Stratton, current chair of the League,and with the unanimous support of the Trustees, to become Honorary President, a position she gladly accepted. Elizabeth was never a person to turn down any challenge.
It was during her tenure that the two residential bungalows on the Odstock site were built in 1979 and 1994 respectively to celebrate the Leagues 25th and 40th anniversaries. These were refurbished in 2017, and it was entirely fitting that one of them is named Batten after Elizabeth (the other is called Annetts in recognition of Ray who was President of the League for 30 years). Elizabeth herself was especially pleased with the vital role she played in raising £50,000 for 12 Hi-Lo baths to be installed in wards in the new Salisbury District Hospital.
On a personal note, when I became chair of the League of Friends of Salisbury Hospital,her advice and support was pivotal to me. She was never one to push herself forward, but was there to hold my hand (figuratively speaking) when important decisions had to be made. One of these was when the Duke of York came to Salisbury to celebrate the Golden Anniversary of the founding of the League and Elizabeth's contribution to it – although he may not have known much about the latter. She was also the instigator of the League's annual magazine. Shortly after I became chair, Elizabeth approached me and said “ Other hospital League of Friends have a magazine. We should have one too. I have found a publisher who will publish a magazine for us for free. Would you like to organise it?” It is the only time in my life that my unswerving admiration for Elizabeth dipped a little!
Her involvement with the League of Friends was not limited to Salisbury. For 10 years,from 1997-2007, she was the Regional Chair for Wiltshire South and Hampshire South West League. She was also very much a part of the National Organisation, now known as Attend, regularly going to their AGM's. In 2007, she was made a lifetime member of Attend for all her service, an award which was rare but richly deserved . Two years later, she received the Attend diamond award from David Wood, CEO of Attend, when he visited Salisbury Hospital. He commented, “within months of becoming Chief Executive in 2002, I became aware of Elizabeth's work in Salisbury. She has been a great ambassador for you”.
Because she was so passionate about the League of Friends, I have concentrated on this aspect of her life, but she had many strings to her bow. In 1972 she received from the Rotary Club the Civic Award for Salisbury for voluntary work and ten years later was appointed to the Board of Governors of Leadenhall school, having been a Governor at St Edmund's Girls school before that. In 1989, she was honoured with the first Wessex Regional Award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the NHS.
As if all that was not enough, she was for many years on the committee for running the Salisbury Hospital Carnival, chairing it from 1986-1993. She also collected money- shaking the tin – for many charities including the British Legion, NSPCC, RSPCA, Cancer Research and the Queen Alexandra Rose Day. She helped in the production, latterly as Director, of the hospital pantomime from 1979 to 1990, and as Administrative Services Manager was deeply involved in the closure of Salisbury General Infirmary and its move to the Odstock site.
I am indebted to Elizabeth's friend, Marie Wright, for many of the facts I have mentioned about Elizabeth's life, and it was Marie who said “Elizabeth embodied the zeitgeist of an age when community spirit reigned supreme, and anything seemed possible.”
We shall miss her enthusiasm, her energy, her sense of humour and, above all, her determination to be involved, to serve and to help those around her. Elizabeth, good-bye and thank you.
George Todd - Chair, League of Friends of Salisbury Hospital
Michael James Dover
23rd October 1952 to 23rd July 2018
Janet and I had the privilege to attend the service in celebration of Michael’s life on Friday 10th August 2018 at St Alban’s Church in Hinehead, along with over 150 friends and family. We first met Michael in 2009. As an organisation, we were beginning the journey of taking over a service that had previously been run by Rehab UK. Michael attended the conference celebrating our 60th Anniversary. The Board members of that time immediately decided he was first choice for our service users’ voice on the Board. It was a decision we never regretted for a moment. During, the last ten years, we have had the pleasure of hearing about his family, his lovely wife Fillar of nearly 45 years, his two children Marie and Jamie and their respective families, his five grandchildren.
We learned about his career in the Armed Forces, his career in advertising. We understood the life changing experience of his accident and consequent brain injury. We marvelled at his subsequent achievements that his creativity and the generosity of spirit were the energy behind.
We were privileged to have Michael share in our journey. Whatever the circumstances Michael brought wisdom and good humour. His eternal optimism and sense of adventure, gave courage and confidence to those around him. We were better for knowing him, the organisation was better because of his involvement.
Michael loved quoting Frances Bacon and David Ogilvy. One of the many that we heard at the thanksgiving service that summed up the man was “if you can’t be brilliant, be memorable.”
To us, he was both, both brilliant, and memorable. Michael, you have left a lasting legacy that both celebrates your brilliance, and means you will not be forgotten.
David Wood OBE - Chief Executive of Attend
April
April was known as the mascot of the Care Homes project. During her time volunteering with Attend she visited over 20 care homes where she acted as both a conversation starter, and a PAT dog. April teamed up with Pam Moreton to take part in the FAABI 10k run, where they raised nearly £1000. Their story is recorded in the following blog http://aprilstrainingblog.blogspot.co.uk/. She was also a regular visitor at Cavendish Square, where she sat in on meetings, training sessions, and ABI client sessions. Her most prestigious engagement was when she co-hosted an ‘Evening with Sophie Thompson’ for The Friends of Attend ABI. After a brief illness, where she showed the determination of spirit that marked so much of her life, she died in Catherine’s arms (her favourite place) on 5th June 2016. The rest of the pack: David, Catherine, Christopher and Steve miss her contribution!
Faith Hewitt
The death of Faith Hewitt at the age of 99 will cause many to recall her life and service within the health and social care sectors of Society. Faith was totally dedicated and committed to the welfare in the community and supported Leagues of Friends in Yorkshire. She held a number of official roles including service as Area and Regional membership. As Yorkshire Regional Chairman, Faith played her part as a member of the National Association's national council and served on a number of sub committees and working groups. With colleagues, she organised the Yorkshire Regional Conferences and also the very successful national conference held in the University of York in the 1990s. National colleagues always respected her views and observations based on her long experience. She always championed the work of volunteers in health care and Attend owes much to her hard work, loyalty and practical contribution.
Peter Green - CLM, former National Deputy Chairman of the National Association of Leagues of Hospital Friends
It was the York Conference, its organisation and operation that got me hooked - so I have much to thank her for in setting me on my way to the thrills and spills of my 'second career' at NAHCF/Attend - best times and still enjoying them! So thanks to Faith for these personally rewarding, exciting times and happy memories.
Pamela Morton OBE - former Attend Chairman
Olga Cureton
Olga's involvement with Ellesmere Cottage Hospital dates back to the early 1970's when a Hospital League of Friends was formed to raise funds for extras for patients and staff. She was Chairman for 18 years from 1974, and during those years many improvements and items of equipment were provided as a consequence of Olga's committment and enthusiasm for fund raising for the hospital. It's believed that Olga was responsible for developing the popular fund raising phenomena of 'Bingo, Chicken & Chips' at that time. However the people of Ellesmere were devastated when it was announced in the late 1980's that their hopsital was to be closed. As Chairman of the League of Friends, Olga mobilised the community in a spontaneous and unprecedented campaign against closure. Numerous protest events were organised including lobbying trips to Westminster. The outcry did produce a brief reprieve but eventually the hospital closed in 1990. So in 1991 Olga inspired the League of Friends to undertake to raise £250,000 to purchase the hospital back for the community. The total was reached and the purchase completed in 1993. Olga then became Chairman of the charitable trust which was formed to take ownership of the building. She went on to raise a further £350,000 to carry out a renovation and the Ellesmere Community Nursing Home opened in October 1994. Olga acted a Chairman of the trust until 2000. A fundamental aspect of the fundraising project was the charity shop run by the League of Friends and Olga was the charity shop organiser and coordinator until she decided to take a less active role in 2005. The project inspired by Olga bonded the whole community together in a campaign to provide a facility which at some time will have an impact upon the life of virtually every member of the community of Ellesmere.
Roy Green
A telephone call to his home to wish him a happy 84th birthday on July 21st 2015 revealed that Roy had died in June. So ended a life of service and volunteering with many Jewish and London-based organisations. The National Association of Leagues of Hospital Friends (Attend) ranked high in his dedication, serving as the London Regional Chairman, a member on the National Council and formed part of the 50th Jubilee coordinating Committee. Roy was in the group entertained at a Clarence House reception by our then Patron, the Queen Mother, marking our Jubilee, and also led his Regional tableau for the Queen Mother's 100th birthday parade and celebration on Horse Guards Parade. Always full of ideas in fund raising or lifting the Friends profile, some of which would have been hard to implement, Roy had a keen sense of humour and was a valued colleague at all levels of the Movement. He was an Attend Honorary Life Member and we remember with affection his service and friendship. He was a true FRIEND.
Peter Green -CLM, former National Deputy Chairman of the National Association of Leagues of Hospital Friends
Baroness Miller of Hendon, MBE JP
Many members will remember her as our chairman during our 50th anniversary year when she travelled round the country speaking at many local meetings. She retained her links with the organisation as a Vice President, and visited the office regularly. On her most recent visit she had coffee with the clients who are supported by our Acquired Brain Injury Service. She proved, as ever, that she was interested in people, and their stories. More than that though, she wanted to help them. Perhaps Doreen will be most remembered for her quick wit and humour, regularly seen when she was working with our former President Lord Fraser of Carmyllie. At our 60th anniversary, she actually described herself as his warm up act. The reality of course, is that Doreen was no warm up act… she was a star in her own right.
Mrs. Queenie Twitty, MBE
Mrs. Queenie Twitty, MBE, passed away on 24th December 2012 in Basildon Hospital. She received her award in recognition of her long term services to the Basildon Hospital and Community League of Friends, including seventeen years during which she carried out fundraising for the organisation; doubtless very many patients have reason to be grateful for her work
-Letter from Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Matheson, Secretary of the Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood on 6th March 2013
Lord Fraser of Carmyllie
Lord Fraser was the President of the National Leagues of Hospital Friends since 1984, holding the post for nearly 30 years. When Peter died, he was the longest serving office bearer-ever-in the organisation. Peter was just perfect at playing the role: a constancy that sat behind the many changes that happened. He acted as a confidential sounding board to our Chairman and gave welcome advice. His chairing of our AGM was masterly. He usually tested our nerve by arriving exactly on time, and there were a few times when he mis-timed and would glide down the central aisle, while the Chairman of the day was doing an ad-hoc and nervous warm up act. He usually proceeded straight to his chair, and launched into things with great aplomb.
-Letter from Richard Harries, Chairman of Attend UK, to Lady Fraser on 16th August 2013
Peter Fraser was the epitome of the Friends movement. He was big in stature and big in understanding and compassion, which was manifested in his concern for others. He led the ‘Friends’ movement through exciting times of growth and change but also in difficult periods of its history. Through his knowledge and by his consideration for people in all walks of life he was a larger than life leader; one who it was a privilege to call a colleague and a friend.
-Peter M. Green CLM, former National Deputy Chairman of the National Association of Leagues of Hospital Friends
Peter Fale
Peter Fale was Chairman for 17 years of the Friends of Blandford Community Hospital, whose volunteer scheme he started soon after being invited to join their Council by President Dr. Ian Wilson in the early 1990s. Peter succeeded Frank Pike as Chairman in 1996, and in 1998 became a non-executive director of the then West Dorset Community NHS Trust and served with its successor the North Dorset Primary Care Trust until 2006 when the Trust was dissolved to become part of the Dorset Primary Care Trust. He chaired the Network of Dorset Friends, set up to coordinate efforts by individual groups and give them a stronger collective voice, and became an honorary life member, was a volunteer driver for the Weldmar Hospice, and a Board member and Deputy Chairman of Dorset Relate, after starting as a counsellor with Marriage Guidance in 1986.
-Nicci Brown, Blackmore Vale Magazine, 5 February 2014
Lady Evelyn Pope
Lady Evelyn Pope was Patron and former President of Nottingham Queen’s Medical Centre League of Friends for many years. During that time she was instrumental in setting up a hostel for young women in 1980, as well as arranging for wheelchairs to be provided for visitors. In addition to her work with the League, she taught PE in a Belfast Methodist College, worked as a negotiator and administrator within her husband’s business called Tecquipment, and set up a home for international students. Her health and social care interest spread into all aspects of the Nottingham hospitals and the work of the League of Friends.
-Friends Connect, Issue 20 Winter 2010/2011
Lady Winifred Hilton
Lady Winifred Hilton was President of Derby Royal Infirmary League of Friends and the former Derbyshire County Association. During her life she took an active interest in more than 60 charities and voluntary organisations, including the Derbyshire St John Ambulance, the NSPCC and Derby Citizens Advice Bureau. She was also Vice-President of the Royal British Legion and President of the group’s women’s section. An Honorary Member of Attend, Lady Hilton was the widow of Col. Sir Peter Hilton, with whom she shared a life-time interest in the St John Ambulance in Derbyshire and nationally, leading the St John activities with the men’s, nursing and cadet divisions.
-Friends Connect, Issue 20 Winter 2010/2011
Hannah Arbeid
Hannah Arbeid began working for Attend in 2006. She organised events and travelled the country to reignite the passion for Attend in the member groups and encourage collaboration between groups. After she was diagnosed with cancer and became too ill to work full time at Attend, she still continued to volunteer in consultations at the Hospital she was attending and at her local park. She also helped out at the Special Needs school. Her partner Sue-Ellen works at taking the children on trips. After her diagnosis, she focused her volunteering energies on the charity Breast Cancer Haven, promoting the value of their work and speaking at keynote events.
-Friends Connect, Issue 20 Winter 2010/2011
Sir Alastair Aird
Sir Alastair Aird was the husband of former Attend Vice-President Lady Aird. Sir Alastair was Private Secretary to the Queen Mother. Sir Alastair oversaw the Queen Mother’s full programme of official engagements and the difficult task of persuading her to cut down on some of them as she approached her 100th birthday fell to him. His considerable powers of persuasion, tack, discretion and dry humour were just some of the qualities that made him indispensable to the Royal Household.
- Friends Connect, Issue 18 Spring 2010
Mr. Ingle Dawson OBE
Mr Dawson spent his life working within the Health Service for which he was awarded the OBE and his interests in the League of Friends go back many decades. He was instrumental in developing County Associations as a way of linking local leagues together. Chairman of Nottinghamshire County Association for many years, he was elected County President Emeritus on retiring. His main link was through the Nottingham Queen’s Medical Centre League of Friends of which he was Chairman, later becoming a League Patron. A member of a number of other County Leagues his work was recognised with the conferring of the Order of the League of Mercy medal.
-Friends Connect, Issue 18 Spring 2010
Phillip Owen
Phillip Owen was fully committed to volunteering; he was a member of Neston Town Council and Chairman of Clatterbridge Hospital League of Friends among many other roles which included being Vice Chairman of Crimestoppers in Merseyside and Church Warden at his local church. Phillip was awarded Honorary Life Membership of Attend for his dedication to the Friends shown while he was the Regional Officer for Merseyside in the 1980s and 90s. Phillip helped keep the Merseyside region together with fund-raising events and training, as well as encouraging the volunteers to attend conferences to meet other Leagues from the North West.
- Friends Connect, Issue 18 Spring 2010
Professor Robert Sang
In addition to Robert Sang’s distinguished career in higher education, he was a Trustee of National Association of Hospital and Community Friends from 2003 to 2006. He was also a member of the first Education Committee which set the foundations for the Attend Academy today. Bob had a unique ability to look at medial and social consequences of illness with a focus on humanity.
-Professor Michael Whiting Chair Friends of Brighton & Hove Hospitals and Stuart Welling Former Trustee and Treasurer Attend, Friends Connect Issue 17 Summer 2009
Maureen Dickson
In addition to her commitment to the Multiple Sclerosis Society as National Treasurer, Maureen Dickson dedicated much of her time to Attend. She joined the Board in April 2006 as Treasurer and during her time with us she was committed to encouraging and supporting the development of the small team who handle the charity’s financial affairs. Maureen refused to let her multiple sclerosis diagnosis detract from her wish to be of service to others.
- Gordon Paterson, Former Trustee/Acting Treasurer, Friends Connect Issue 17 Summer 2009
Frank Pike
Frank Pike was a Life Vice President and a constant driving force behind the Friends of Blandford Community Hospital. Frank joined the Friends in 1975 as secretary. He became Chairman in 1986, following the sudden death of John Woodhouse, and was Chairman until 1997. When he reached retirement age for the trustees he was appointed as a Life Vice President for recognition of his outstanding service. In 1990 he was appointed a non-executive director of the West Dorset Community Health Trust and also during the same year, he was elected to the National Association Council.
-The Friends of Blandford Hospital, Newsletter Number 36, Spring 2009
Sue Hindle
Sue Hindle was Chair of the Falmouth Health Centre League of Hospital and Community Friends since it was founded in 1996, and in 2001 she became Chair of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Leagues of Hospital and Community Friends. Through her work with the Friends she became involved in other voluntary activities, including the Seaman’s Mission and the West Cornwall Ladies Luncheon Club. She also sat on the Community Health Council and the Patients Forum while still working actively in patient care.
-Friends Connect Issue 16, Spring 2009
Mr. J Aubrey Roberts
Aubrey Roberts was an active member of the Wrexam Hospital Friends, becoming Chairman in 1991 and then Vice President in 2001, he used his enthusiasm for teaching to lead the organisation. Aubrey was also the former elected Constituency Member for North East Wales and held a seat on the National Association Council for six years. He became National Vice President Wales until the 2004 National Annual General Meeting, whereupon he was made an Honorary Life Member.
-Friends Connect, Issue 13 Summer 2006
Constance Margaret Woodhouse
A nurse by profession, Margaret Woodhouse faithfully served the Friends at a regional and national level for many years. She was initially a South West regional constituency member, and later rose to the position of South West Regional Chairman. She also served as a Trustee and Board member of the National Association, and was a member of several working parties. Margaret’s life was full of activity and service to others, giving her time to many local organisations.
-Peter Green, Friends Connect, Issue 13 Summer 2006
Mr. Harold Cranswick
Harold Cranswick was founder Chairman of the Friends of Sunnyside and Montrose Infirmary, a post to which he generously dedicated 21 years. He also served on the NAHCF Board of Trustees and Management Committee.
-Friends Connect, Issue 10 Spring 2005
Mr. Ray Horsley
Ray Horsley was the NAHCF Regional Officer for Nottinghamshire and Vice Chairman of the University Hospital Nottingham League of Friends.
-Friends Connect, Issue 10 Spring 2005
Monica Beck BEM
Monica Beck was a very active member of the National Association. She served as the Regional Chairman for the North East from 1994 until 2001 when she retired from that position and received Honorary Life Membership at the AGM in 2001. Monica devoted her life to volunteering. She had a formidable reputation for fundraising and remained an active member of the Northern General Hospital League of Friends in Sheffield.
-Hospital & Community Friend, Winter 2001-2002
Mike Conway
Mike Conway was the Chief Executive of the National Association of Hospital & Community Friends for 6 years, from 1995 until his death. Mike first joined NAHCF as Development Manager in 1994 and was promoted to Chief Executive in 1995. He brought a great measure of dedication and professionalism to the Association and in spite of some inevitable opposition he advanced the Association’s cause with infectious enthusiasm and energy, influencing the structure of NAHCF and the way it is now being run.
-Oliver J Rowell, Conway family friend, Hospital & Community Friend, Autumn 2001
-The Hospital & Community Friend, Summer 2001
Viscount Leverhulme
Lord Leverhulme was President of the Clatterbridge Hospitals League of Friends. He was an outstanding supporter of the Clatterbridge Hospital and attended all the major events in the life of the League , even allowing many events in aid of the League to be held at his home in Thornton Manor.
-Phillip Owen, Former Chairman of Clatterbridge Hospital League of Friend, Hospital & Community Friend, Autumn 2000
The Rt. Hon. The Baroness Macleod of Borve, DL, JP
Lady Macleod served the Association as Chairman from 1974 to 1985 and thereafter as President until 1989. Throughout her life Lady Macleod was dedicated to the public service through both the voluntary sector and the House of Lords. Having contracted polio in 1952, she always needed the help of a stick for walking, but she remained remarkably active. In 1970 following the death of her husband Ian Macleod, the then Chancellor of the Exchequer, Eve Macleod accepted a life peerage as a tribute to his memory. She later developed the Crisis at Christmas Appeal and launched the National Association of Widows. Her public service record also included 30 years as a magistrate.
-The Hospital & Community Friend, Spring 2000
Rt. Hon. The Baroness Robson of Kiddington JP
Rt. Hon. The Baroness Robson of Kiddington JP was Chairman of the National Association of Leagues of Hospital Friends from 1986 to 1994. During her 8 years as the Association’s Chairman, Lady Robson was the driving force in helping to re-shape its organisation. She did much to promote the League of Friends everywhere. Her genuine interest in the “Friends” and her willingness to go and see for herself and talk to League members greatly endeared her to so many of our members in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
-The Hospital & Community Friend, Issue Number 2 , Summer 1999
Gordon Phillips
Gordon Phillips was a constituency member for Cornwall. He retired from Cornwall and Devon Constabulary as Detective Chief Inspector after 30 years service. Since retiring he devoted himself to caring for others through his work with Cornwall CHC and Trevillis House, as well as the Friends.
-The Hospital Friend Issue 106, August 1998
Norman E Hooker
Norman Hooker was the constituency member for the Merseyside region. He was Chairman and Secretary of his own League and Honorary Secretary of Merseyside Association. His interest in hospital affairs extended to a wide range of issues.
-The Hospital Friend, Issue 105 March 1998
Bill Martin
Bill Martin was the Deputy Chairman of the National Association. Bill gave 22 years of voluntary service to the organisation. An engineer by profession, he was an Area Traffic Manager for North Yorkshire County Council at Skipton. His association with the League of Friends movement began in 1973 when a short stay at Airedale Hospital resulted in his joining its radio station. Thereafter he was involved with the Leagues in Airedale and Skipton, as well as giving his time to various National Association committees. He took up the post of Deputy Chairman in 1992, remaining an active member of both Leagues right up to his death.
-The Hospital Friend Issue 95, June 1995
Douglas Cook
Douglas Cook was appointed to the National Association of Leagues of Hospital Friends’ Regional Chairman for England Centre at the beginning of the year that he passed. He died before he was able to attend the regional conference that he had been planning in Sheffield. Douglas was a member who gave a lot of time to those in need and was a true friend to many Hospital Friends.
-The Hospital Friend Issue 91, Spring 1994
Mr. John Dodd
Mr. John Dodd was a member of the small group of individuals who had the vision and commitment to found the National Association in March 1949. Since that time his interest in the League of Hospital Friends never wavered until his death. During the early years of the National Association, he took a leading role in determining the way ahead, from 1966 until 1980, a Vice-Chairman of the National Association before becoming a Co-opted Member of the Council. In 1988 he became a National Vice-President, one of only two laymen who have been honoured in this way since the National Association was founded. His help to the Leagues of Hospital Friends and other medical and health care charities in the Bristol area was legendary and he combined this with the onerous role of Chief Executive of the Western Provident Association, which grew under his guidance to be the third largest such body in the UK.
-The Hospital Friend Number 82, January 1992
Mr. Frank Allason
Mr. Frank Allason was a long-term member of the League of Friends of Brampton and District War Memorial Cottage Hospital. He also became the Council Member for Cumbria shortly before his passing, but he had already made his mark and signalled his determination to be a dynamic constituency representative.
-The Hospital Friend Number 80, July 1991
Mr. A. A. Maxwell-Reid
Mr. A. A. Maxwell-Reid was the Council Member for Essex/Suffolk and also long time Chairman of the Clacton Hospital League of Friends. He also took a leading part in the Essex Association.
-The Hospital Friend Number 77, October 1990
Mr. Arthur Norman Brown, BEM
Mr. Arthur Norma Brown, BEM, was the Founder Secretary of the Friends of Hayley Green Hospital. Mr. Brown was also a Council Member of the National Association until he retired through ill-health in 1988.
-The Hospital Friend Number 79, April 1991
Sir Archibald Forbes, GCB
Sir Archibald Forbes was the former Vice President of the National Association and for many years until 1988, our Honorary Treasurer. He had a most distinguished business career and was Chairman of the Midland Bank at the time that he accepted the post of Honorary Treasurer. Despite his many other interests he was most supportive of the National Association adn took a considerable interest in its officers. His control of financial matters was always meticulous and his advice much valued.
-The Hospital Friend Number 73 , October 1989
Dr. J. S. S. Fairley, MD, Bchir
Dr. J. S. S. Fairley, MD, Bchir was an influential figure in the affairs of the National Association. He was first the Deputy Chairman and later became Deputy President. His career as a Regional Seminar Medical Officer within the National Health Service had given him an immense knowledge of Health Care which he was always willing to put to good use on behalf of the National Association.
-The Hospital Friend Number 72, July 1989
Mr. Trevor R. Gray, MBE, JP
Mr. Trevor R. Gray, MBE, JP served as a member of the National Association of Leagues of Hospital Friends Council for over 25 years and was a Vice-Chairman from 1970 until 1983 when he resigned all the offices in the Friends Movement due to health reasons. Many Leagues of friends in Wales and beyond owe their origin to his enthusiasm and wise council.
-The Hospital Friend Number 57, October 1985
Miss Greta W. Hayre
Miss Greta Hayre served on the National Association of Leagues of Friends Council from 1973 and was the Chairman of the Nottingham Conference Planning Committee for one year. She had a career in nursing from which she retired in 1969 and she later became a member of the League of Friends of University Hospital Nottingham and also a member of the Nottinghamshire Salvation Army League of Friends.
-The Hospital Friend Number 57, October 1985
Mrs. W. Haley
Mrs. W. Haley had served as a member of the National Association of Leagues of Friends Council for several years. She was a most enthusiastic worker for the League of Friends of Halifax Hospital and also in West Yorkshire generally where she was responsible for helping several other Leagues to be formed.
-The Hospital Friend Number 57, October 1985
Brigadier Arthur Trevor, D.S.O.
Following his army career and a period as head of the Civil Defence College, Arthur Trevor came to the National Association in Lady Monckton’s time as Director. He was very involved in the work of the National Association.
-The Hospital Friend Number 51, April 1984
Miss Olive Williams, M.B.E.
Miss Olive Williams along with our first Chairman, Percy Wetenhall, put the Leagues on the map. Olive was completely devoted to the hospitals, and gave nearly all her time to encouraging our voluntary work.
-The Hospital Friend Number 51, April 1984
Mr. W. H. C. Lean
Mr. Lean was a member of our National Council for nine years, representing Cornwall. A dental surgeon by profession, he received the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal for his work with the hospital service. He was greatly involved with several Leagues in the Redruth area and at the time of his death was President of the Cornwall and the Isle of Scilly Leagues of Friends.
-The Hospital Friend Number 51, April 1984
Mr. J. F. Pilbeam
Mr. J. F. Pilbeam was a member of the Council of the National Association from 1973 until 1982. Mr. Pilbeam was also Chairman of the League of Friends of Pembury Hospital for many years and was deeply committed to the Hospital Friends Movement.
-The Hospital Friend Number 50, January 1984
Mrs. Bette Chapman
Mrs Bette Chapman was a member of the National Council since 1980 and had an involvement with the League of Friends Movement over many years. For some time she was the administrator of the League of Friends of the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital in Oswestry and the League of Friends at Moorfields Eye Hospital.
-The Hospital Friend Number 46, January 1983
B. T. Davis, ESQ., M.B.E., F.C.A.
Bernard T. Davis was the Vice-Chairman of the National Association of Leagues of Hospital Friends. He was also the senior partner of a Birmingham firm of Chartered Accountants and was actively involved with several different charities. It was his important voluntary work within the hospital field which led him early in the League of Friends Movement and in 1948 he formed the League of Friends of the Birmingham Skin Hospital. This was the first of 28 Hospital Leagues which he formed as well as the West Midlands Association of Hospital Friends of which he remained President until he passed.
-The Hospital Friend Number 37, October 1980
