2023 Quiz Night - 18th November 2023
The League of Friends of Halstead Hospital held a Quiz Night on Saturday 18th November 2023. Thank you to all who helped make this a successful event - especially to Lynda Jackson and family for running the brilliant Quiz, and providing some Quiz prizes. We also extend our thanks to Roz Gage and Derek Holmes for organising the Raffle on the night, and to the local businesses and members that supplied Raffle Prizes. We raised a grand total of £787.10.
New Furniture and Planters for Hospital
- July 2023
The League of Friends of Halstead Hospital have provided new Patio Furniture, for outside the Day Room, and two Planters - which have kindly been planted by members of the Halstead in Bloom team. They have been well received, look great, and patients are thoroughly enjoying the lovely outside area.
55th Annual General Meeting - 23rd May 2023
The League of Friends of Halstead Hospital held their 55th Annual General Meeting at The United Reformed Church, Kings Road, Halstead, CO9 1HJ on Tuesday 23rd May at 7pm. The Minutes from that meeting, the Agenda, the Minutes of the previous AGM, the recent accounts, and the Chairman's Report are below.
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Halstead Hospital Ward to Remain OPEN, and surprise visit from James Cleverly MP
- March 2023
The League of Friends of Halstead Hospital has been informed officially that the Ward will be staying open for another year in its present capacity. This news has been well received and follows praise from Health Director, Dan Doherty, in January (Halstead Gazette article link below). As such permanent job position's are now being advertised on the NHS and Provide websites. It is hoped that after this year that the Ward will stay open either in its current capacity, or used in a different way for the local community. This also coincides with a surprise visit (Friday 3rd March 2023) to the Ward from our local MP, James Cleverly. He was very impressed with everything he saw, especially as his last visit was when the Ward was closed. He has always been very supportive of Halstead Hospital, and has worked alongside The League of Friends of Halstead Hospital in our campaign in getting the Hospital reopened. Our Chairman, Dr Alan Symington, accompanied him on his visit.
20th January 2023 - Halstead Hospital League of Friends receive praise from Health Boss: https://www.halsteadgazette.co.uk/news/23257697.halstead-hospital-league-friends-receive-praise-health-boss/
More Consulting Rooms at Halstead Hospital - Planning Application Granted
The Essex Rivers Healthcare NHS Trust has received planning permission (27th March 2023) to convert the former X-Ray Block at Halstead Hospital into a Surgery for use as Consulting Rooms. Details of the planning application can be found on Braintree District Council's Planning Portal under Reference: 23/00246/FUL, or by using the link below. Also below are links to articles in the Halstead Gazette (9th February and 6th April 2023):
Planning Application: https://publicaccess.braintree.gov.uk/online-applications/caseDetails.do?caseType=Application&keyVal=RPEFQEBFHLE00
9th February 2023 - NHS plans to change Halstead Hospital X-Ray block to GP: https://www.halsteadgazette.co.uk/news/23305465.nhs-plans-change-halstead-hospital-x-ray-block-gp/
6th April 2023 - Halstead GP extension plans given go-ahead:
https://www.halsteadgazette.co.uk/news/23433830.halstead-gp-extension-plans-given-go-ahead-planning-bosses/
9th February 2023 - NHS plans to change Halstead Hospital X-Ray block to GP: https://www.halsteadgazette.co.uk/news/23305465.nhs-plans-change-halstead-hospital-x-ray-block-gp/
6th April 2023 - Halstead GP extension plans given go-ahead:
https://www.halsteadgazette.co.uk/news/23433830.halstead-gp-extension-plans-given-go-ahead-planning-bosses/
The Ward Block has been reopened! - Dec '22
The 20-bed Ward at the top of the Halstead Hospital site reopened early December 2022, and is currently full. This action has helped the General Hospitals free-up some of their beds, in this period of high demand. This resulted in patients being in Halstead Hospital over Christmas, and because of this members of The League of Friends of Halstead Hospital visited on Christmas Day to give them some festive cheer.
5th December 2022 - Halstead Hospital reopening welcomed by League of Friends:
www.halsteadgazette.co.uk/news/23164605.halstead-hospital-reopening-welcomed-league-friends/
31st December 2022 - Halstead Hospital League of Friends give gifts to patients:
www.halsteadgazette.co.uk/news/23220126.halstead-hospital-league-friends-give-gifts-patients/
www.halsteadgazette.co.uk/news/23164605.halstead-hospital-reopening-welcomed-league-friends/
31st December 2022 - Halstead Hospital League of Friends give gifts to patients:
www.halsteadgazette.co.uk/news/23220126.halstead-hospital-league-friends-give-gifts-patients/
54th Annual General Meeting - 24th May 2022
The League of Friends of Halstead Hospital held their 54th Annual General Meeting at The United Reformed Church, Kings Road, Halstead on Tuesday 24th May at 7pm. The Agenda, the Minutes of the previous AGM and the Accounts are in the Full AGM and Agenda Pack shown adjacent and download link below. The minutes from the 54th AGM are also shown adjacent and download link below.
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Concern of Ward Future
The League of Friends of Halstead Hospital are increasingly concerned over the future of the hospital ward. Our Chairman, Alan Symington, has written to the Halstead Gazette (14/12/2021), see below, to gain support from the public to keep this vital town asset. Various articles have been published in the Halstead Gazette, see links below. The League of Friends had a meeting with James Cleverley MP on the 14th February and are looking into the Ward's future.
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23rd December 2021 - League of Friends fear for future of Halstead Hospital: https://www.halsteadgazette.co.uk/news/19802735.league-friends-fear-future-halstead-hospital/
31st December 2021 - Campaigners vow to fight for Halstead Hospital survival: https://www.gazette-news.co.uk/news/19815944.campaigners-vow-fight-halstead-hospital-survival/
14th January 2022 - Charity support council aid to save Halstead Hospital: https://www.halsteadgazette.co.uk/news/19846406.charity-support-council-aid-save-halstead-hospital/
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53rd Annual General Meeting
17th September 2021
The League of Friends of Halstead Hospital are held their 53rd Annual General Meeting at The Queens Hall, Halstead on Friday 17th September 2021 at 7pm. The accounts to be approved at the Annual General Meeting are shown below, alongside the Minutes of the previous AGM, the Agenda, and the Chairman's Report.
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Halstead Hospital Updates - September 2020
During the summer The League of Friends of Halstead Hospital has worked and persevered to install new improvements to the Hospital. These include: a new lit awning outside the Day Room, Televisions across the ward providing entertainment to those staying, a new kitchen for food preparation, as well as other essential equipment. Please scroll through the pictures to see the work completed.
52nd Annual General Meeting - Postponed
Due to Covid the 52nd AGM due to be held on 12th May 2020 did not go ahead in person. Instead it was held via email during July 2020. Members had supported the three proposals of: The minutes of the 51st Annual General Meeting (21st May 20219), the Accounts of the Year ending 2019, and that all Committee Members agreed to stand for a further year. All of these decisions we confirmed and Minutes subsequently signed by the Chairman at the 53rd Annual General Meeting on the 17th September 2021.
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Quiz Night - October 2020 - CANCELLEDDue to the current situation the Quiz Night planned to be held in October has been CANCELLED for 2020. It will scheduled for October 2021 with date to be advised, we hope that will be able to join us.
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News Update - September 2020
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Chairman's Report - July 2020
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Quiz Night - Saturday 12th October 2019The League of Friends of Halstead Hospital on Saturday 12th October at The Queen's Hall held a Quiz Night to raise further funds. Thank you for everyone who helped contribute and we raised over £1,000!
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51st Annual General Meeting - 21st May 2019
The League of Friends of Halstead Hospital held their 51st Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 21st May. The meeting was held in the United Reformed Church, Kings Road. Copies of the Reports and Accounts relating to the meeting can be found below, along with the minutes of the meeting.
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May Stone Memorial Tree Planting
On the morning of Saturday 9th March 2019 in the grounds of Halstead Hospital, the League of Friends in conjunction with Halstead W.I. held a ceremony in memory of Mrs May Stone and Mrs Jean Humphries.
A May tree was planted in May Stone’s memory and a wrought iron seat from the W.I. dry garden was donated in Jean Humphries' memory. The ceremony was attended by both May Stone’s family and Jean Humphries' family. Alan Symington, Chairman of The League of Friends of Halstead Hospital, spoke of May's hard work and dedication on the committee over many years. In particular, members remembered her tireless organizational skills, running the tea tent and bottle stall at the annual fete. Also how she never missed a Christmas morning at the hospital to hand out gifts to the in-patients, and taking the library book trolley around the wards. Sandra Dingle, Chairperson of the W.I., paid tribute to the memory of Jean who has been sorely missed and gave selflessly her time to the W.I.. The May tree (a symbol in Celtic mythology of love and protection) and the seat, have been positioned to look across the valley from the hospital. They will offer a place of peace, beauty, and tranquility for both patients and relatives at the hospital. |
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An article from the Halstead Gazette can be found here:
https://www.halsteadgazette.co.uk/news/17520859.memorials-unveiled-to-much-missed-stalwarts/
https://www.halsteadgazette.co.uk/news/17520859.memorials-unveiled-to-much-missed-stalwarts/
Air Conditioning for Halstead Hospital
The League of Friends is awaiting an estimate from NHS Properties, who are responsible for the management of the buildings, for installation of air conditioning both into the 20 bedded hospital and the lower floor of The Leonard Ratcliffe Rehabilitation Centre. This should make life much more comfortable for the patients and staff in the Hospital ward and for persons attending the Rehabilitation Centre. We will keep you abreast of developments as they happen!
Flood in Ward Block At Halstead Hospital |
Christmas 2018 Arrangements |
On the 3rd December 2018 the pipe from the water tank in the roof of the ward block was broken and 3,500 Litres of water came through the ceiling. All patients had to be evacuated and rehoused in other hospitals. Thanks go to the Halstead Fire Brigade who handled the disaster most efficiently and pumped out all the flood. As such damage was minimized and the parquet flooring was dried undamaged. NHS Properties, who are responsible for the management of the buildings, have also been excellent and had the building open and up and running within 10 days. Patients are now back in and the ward is full again.
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Sadly due to the flood on the ward, the uncertainty initially as to when the hospital ward would reopen, and the patients return we had to cancel the carol service and Xmas festivities the League of Friends traditionally offer every year. However we did in our personal absence; arrange for a new Christmas tree, covered the cost of Christmas presents the staff got for the ward patients on Christmas Day. We did manage to present a Christmas cake, and made sure the patients that were able all to have a tipple at their Christmas lunch. Members of the committee visited over the Christmas period to give good wishes. Hopefully next year we shall get back to normal.
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May Stone Memorial
In memory of May Stone, who was such a great supporter of The League of Friends of Halstead Hospital and helped raise money over a long period of time, the League of Friends is planting a tree in her memory. We are planting a Hawthorn Tree (a May tree!) and the WI of Halstead have very kindly donated a seat which will be placed by the tree. We will let you know the date when we will have a planting.
Quiz Night 2018 raises over £1,000
On the 13th of October 2018 the League of Friends held a Quiz Night to raise funds for the charity. The night was a huge success and raised more than £1,000 to contribute for our work. We would like to thank everyone who was involved, and Linda & Barry Jackson for being the Quiz-master & Scorer. We also wish to extend our thanks to all the local businesses and others who donated raffle prizes for the evening.
A preview article of the evening from the Halstead Gazette can be found here:
https://www.halsteadgazette.co.uk/news/16884310.halstead-hospital-league-of-friends-to-host-quiz-night/
A preview article of the evening from the Halstead Gazette can be found here:
https://www.halsteadgazette.co.uk/news/16884310.halstead-hospital-league-of-friends-to-host-quiz-night/
Halstead Rotary Club donates to the Hospital
The Rotary Club of Halstead have been associated with Halstead Hospital and in particular The League of Friends of Halstead Hospital for a significant number of years. Jackie Pell, of The League of Friends, is herself a holder of the Paul Harris Fellowship of Rotary. This is a unique award reserved for those who, in the opinion of Rotary international, have given unstinting service to the Community - and this is in particular to Halstead Hospital. The Rotary Club have consistently raised funds via local collections, quizzes and other fundraising activities, which has resulted in a donation to The League of Friends. Two Halstead Rotary Club members have given particular support to this; David Hume (Club President) and Lionel Frances (Past Mayor of Halstead). Lionel sadly passed away last year and has given fantastic support for the Club, and has been remembered with two planters in his memory at the Hospital Entrance. Halstead Rotary Club presented a cheque to former Chair Jackie Pell in June 2018 for The League of Friends, and wishes all involved every best wish and hopes to continue to support The League of Friends future.
League of Friends Annual General Meeting
On the 22nd of May 2018 The League of Friends of Halstead Hospital held their 50th Annual General Meeting (AGM). At the meeting Jackie Pell stepped down as Chair and Dr Alan Symington took over the position. The minutes are available to view and download - see opposite.
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Halstead Hospital to keep Outpatient Services
In April 2018 Colchester Hospital University NHS Trust denied suggestions that Halstead Hospital's Outpatient Services were in danger due to the merging of Colchester and Ipswich Hospitals. League of Friends Chair, Jackie Pell, said "We will be meeting with people from the NHS to find out more about possible improvements to the hospital."
The full article from the Halstead Gazette can be found here:
www.halsteadgazette.co.uk/news/16139826._No_plans_to_remove_services_from_Hospital_/
The full article from the Halstead Gazette can be found here:
www.halsteadgazette.co.uk/news/16139826._No_plans_to_remove_services_from_Hospital_/
Christmas Presents for to Hospital Patients
The League of Friends is grateful to all the staff and customers of Solar Supermarket who raised £340 in December 2017 for us. The money was put towards buying Christmas presents and gifts for those in the Hospital on Christmas Day.
The full article from the Halstead Gazette can be found here: https://www.halsteadgazette.co.uk/news/15798128.charity-delivers-presents-to-hospital-patients/ |
Best Mates raise over £3,000 for Charity!
The Trio of friends (Olly Clapp, Joe Dixey and Andy Hunt) have completed their Two Ball Car Rally across Europe and have raised over £3,000 for The League of Friends of Halstead Hospital! They more than doubled their original £1,500 target and the car made it! From all of us at The League of Friends - Thank you and Well Done! (Pictures courtesy of The Halstead Gazette and The Three Rocketeers Facebook Page)
The full article from the Halstead Gazette can be found here:
www.halsteadgazette.co.uk/news/15595693.Best_mates_race_across_Europe_in_old_banger/
The Three Rocketeers Facebook Page (which has more pictures and updates can be found here:
www.facebook.com/thethreerocketeers
Donations can be made via their Just Giving page:
www.justgiving.com/fundraising/hondamoon
The full article from the Halstead Gazette can be found here:
www.halsteadgazette.co.uk/news/15595693.Best_mates_race_across_Europe_in_old_banger/
The Three Rocketeers Facebook Page (which has more pictures and updates can be found here:
www.facebook.com/thethreerocketeers
Donations can be made via their Just Giving page:
www.justgiving.com/fundraising/hondamoon
Quiz Night 2017
On the 20th of October 2017 the League of Friends held a Quiz Night to raise funds for the charity. The night was a huge success and raised more to contribute for our work. We would like to thank everyone who was involved for the work which was put in to make it an enjoyable evening.
A preview article of the evening from the Halstead Gazette can be found here:
www.halsteadgazette.co.uk/news/15556872.Quizzers_set_to_raise_cash_for_town_hospital/
A preview article of the evening from the Halstead Gazette can be found here:
www.halsteadgazette.co.uk/news/15556872.Quizzers_set_to_raise_cash_for_town_hospital/
The Three Rocketeers star in World Famous "JapFest" Car ShowThe Three Rocketeers, who are driving to raise money for The League of Friends of Halstead Hospital, have been invited to take their car to JapFest - at Silverstone on the 30th April 2017. The Type Accord Owners Club extended the invitation after seeing what they were attempting.
The full article from the Halstead Gazette can be found here: www.halsteadgazette.co.uk/news/15196154.Banger_rally_racer_to_star_in_world_famous_car_show/ |
GOOD LUCK! - The League of Friends of Halstead Hospital wishes all three luck in their upcoming rally!
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Trio Drive for Halstead Hospital
Three friends are aiming to completed the Two Ball Rally across Europe to raise money for The League of Friends of Halstead Hospital. Olly Clapp, Joe Dixey and Andy Hunt are aiming to drive 1,500 Miles in a £560 car in aid of the League. They are hoping to raise £1,500 for the charity.
Their Facebook Page can be found here: www.facebook.com/thethreerocketeers The full article from the Halstead Gazette can be found here: www.halsteadgazette.co.uk/news/north_essex_news/15129774.Trio_of_best_mates_to_drive_1_500_miles_in___560__banger__for_charity/ |
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MP James Cleverly meets staff and patients at Halstead Hospital
During October 2016 MP for Braintree District, James Cleverly, visited both patients and staff at Halstead Hospital alongside Provide Chairman Derrick Louis. Mr Cleverly mentioned that the high point of the visit was meeting the patients "who were full of praise for the local hospital and the care that they were receiving." The League of Friends of Halstead Hospital continues to help provide equipment and other aid to boost the care for the hospital.
The full article from the Halstead Gazette can be found here:
www.halsteadgazette.co.uk/news/14876295.MP_meets_staff_and_patients_at_Halstead_Hospital/
The full article from the Halstead Gazette can be found here:
www.halsteadgazette.co.uk/news/14876295.MP_meets_staff_and_patients_at_Halstead_Hospital/
Memorial for Halstead Hero - Len Ratcliff
On Monday 4th July 2016 a memorial service was held in Saffron Walden for Len Ratcliff, the former President of The League of Friends of Halstead Hospital and distinguished pilot. Speeches were read by members of the War Office as well as Lady Braybrooke. He was awarded various medals for bravery as flew nighttime undercover missions over Nazi-occupied Europe during World War II. He was also awarded France's highest accolade, the Légion d'Honneur. A Hercules C130 also performed a flyover. Current Chair of The League of Friends, Jackie Pell, called him a "true gentleman". More details can be found on the Halstead Gazette website:
www.halsteadgazette.co.uk/news/14604110.Halstead_hero_and_distinguished_pilot_gets_aircraft_flyover_in_his_memory/ |
Wing Commander Leonard Ratcliff
27th July 1919 - 1st April 2016
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our former President and Chairman, Len Ratcliff. Len was instrumental making Halstead Hospital what it is today and his tireless work shall not be forgotten. Obituaries can be found here:
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/obituaries/2016/04/10/wing-commander-len-ratcliff---obituary/ https://www.scotsman.com/news/obituaries/obituary-leonard-ratcliff-1-4097212 www.saffronwaldenreporter.co.uk/news/tributes-to-wartime-pilot-hero-from-great-chesterford-who-helped-save-halstead-hospital-1-4496233 http://www.halsteadgazette.co.uk/announcements/deaths/deaths/14429248.Leonard_Fitch_RATCLIFFE/ |
A New Defibrillator has been installed in Halstead High Street
The full article from the Halstead Gazette can be found here:
www.halsteadgazette.co.uk/news/14277361.New_life_saving_equipment_in_Halstead_high_street/
www.halsteadgazette.co.uk/news/14277361.New_life_saving_equipment_in_Halstead_high_street/
The Leonard Ratcliff Centre Opening - June 2015
On the 9th of June, the League of Friends named the rehabilitation unit of the hospital after the man who pioneered it. The unit at Halstead Hospital is now named The Leonard Ratcliff Centre after his tireless work.
More information can be found from the Halstead Gazette: http://www.halsteadgazette.co.uk/news/13337696.Ward_at_Halstead_Hospital_named_after_man_instrumental_to_its_existence/ |
Opening of The Nancy Salmon Clinic - January 2015
A new Lymphoedema clinic has been set up in Halstead Hospital and will be used by local patients. Dr. Nancy Salmon was a local GP who lived in Toppesfield and was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003. After a mastectomy, she suffered from lymphoedema and died in 2009. After her death a trust in her name was set up to try to improve access for treatment in the local area. A Lymphoedema clinic now runs one day week in the Nancy Salmon room at Halstead Hospital.
A link to the Nancy Salmon Trust can be found here:
http://www.salmon64.com/
More information can be found from the Halstead Gazette:
http://www.halsteadgazette.co.uk/news/11695655.New_clinic_to_operate_from_Halstead_hospital/
A link to the Nancy Salmon Trust can be found here:
http://www.salmon64.com/
More information can be found from the Halstead Gazette:
http://www.halsteadgazette.co.uk/news/11695655.New_clinic_to_operate_from_Halstead_hospital/
League of Friends Leaflet - 2014In 2014 the League decided to publish a leaflet to highlight the work which it does in the area. This was also to promote the League as it wanted not to be forgotten by the people of Halstead. The leaflet is shown opposite and a paper copy can be obtained from either: Halstead Hospital, Halstead Town Council Offices or The Elizabeth Courtauld Surgery.
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Quiz Night 2014On the 11th of October 2014 the League of Friends held a Quiz Night to raise funds for the charity. The night was a huge success and raised £745 for our work. The event was supported by Barclays so they have matched our amount so the grand total is £1490! We would like to thank everyone who was involved and our sponsors for the work which was put in to make it an enjoyable evening.
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Halstead Hospital Charity Funded Rehabilitation Unit Opens
On the 19th of May 2012 the new rehabilitation unit at Halstead Hospital was finally opened. It had taken 16 years of planning, fundraising and battling for the unit to be what it is now. The unit was opened by George Courtauld, Vice-Lord Lieutenant for Essex, who is part of the family which originally gave the original hospital to the local community.
More information can be found from either the BBC or the Halstead Gazette: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-18115464 http://www.halsteadgazette.co.uk/news/north_essex_news/9716765.Halstead____1_5m_rehab_unit_officially_opens/ |
The Rehabilitation Unit was built by Rose Builders. A case study can be found on their website, along with a selection of pictures on the "History" page:
rosebuilders.co.uk/halstead-hospital/ |
The League of Friends of Halstead Hospital - Registered Charity Number: 1121313