Newbury's mayor visits hospital

Mayors of Newbury and Thatcham accompany Father Christmas at West Berkshire Community Hospital

THE MAYORS of Newbury and Thatcham paid a visit to the West Berkshire Community Hospital this morning (Sun Dec 25), to bring Christmas Day cheer to patients.

Mayor of Newbury, Jeff Beck, his wife, the mayoress, Alma Beck, mayor of Thatcham, Lee Dillon and Father Christmas visited around 60 patients on hospital wards.

They were accompanied by Anne Bennett, of the West Berkshire Hospital League of Friends, on behalf of the organisation, which funded Christmas presents for each patient.

Matron,Amanda Hart, of Newbury - at her first Christmas at the hospital since taking over from Sue Bishop as Matron earlier this year - said patients had been looking forward to the occasion, including their Christmas lunch, while staff would be keeping the hospital running throughout the day:

"We don't sit down for the hospital Christmas lunch - staff will get their Christmas lunch later at home with their families, after they finish their shift," said Mrs Hart.

Thatcham's mayor, Lee Dillon, said it was nice to have been invited:

"It's nice to have chance to meet patients who can't be at home with their families and also to thank the staff for keeping the hospital ticking over," he said, adding:

"It's worthwhile giving up a little bit of your Christmas Day, you see the impact on staff and patients."

Overwhelmed by tears of joy at the occasion, patient, 82-year-old William Hayter, of Newbury, said he was "Enjoying it very much," while 92-year-old Winifred Fuller, of Pangbourne, said she was: "Not a very big lunch eater," but added she was nonetheless looking forward to the community luncheon, adding:

"You have to make the most of it."

Hospital chaplain, Rev Chris Stott, who was also on hand to talk to patients, said it was a difficult time of year for patients, but staff were doing, he said: "A wonderful job."

Mayor of Newbury, Jeff Beck, who was on his second recent visit to the hospital, after visiting wards last week said:

"Patients were very pleased to see us, it brought a spot of cheer."

Joyful music and carols were provided by the Salvation Army Band, who visited different wards.