THROUGH THE ARCHIVES: Gifts from Duchess of Gloucester for patients at Ulster hospital

Christmas was made as enjoyable as possible for the patients at the Ulster Hospital for Children and Women in December 1947 reported the News Letter.

The decoration of the wards was undertaken by the nursing staff assisted by a few members of the Junior Committee.

The Christmas trees, which were provided through the kindness of the Countess of Dufferin and Ava, Newforge Limited, and other friends, were decorated and beautifully illuminated, reported the News Letter.

Early on Christmas morning the patients were entertained by carol singers from Ballynafeigh Methodist Church, and every child received well filled Christmas stocking.

Later in the day members of the honorary medical staff acted carvers at the patients’ Christmas dinner.

Meanwhile toys were distributed every child by two Father Christmases, the Reverend Guy L’Estrange and Major R Longley, MC.

Their arrival was heralded by a band and carol singing.

The News Letter reported: “The hospital is greatly indebted to many kind donors who sent contributions of toys, Christmas fare and cash. These included a gift for each woman patient from HRH the Duchess of Gloucester, patron of the hospital; also toys for the children from Athletic Stores Ltd, pupils of Ashleigh House School and Downey House School. Owing to structural alterations at Templemore Avenue premises, the festivities for the outpatients had to be postponed.”

At Belfast City Hospital an enjoyable concert was provided in the central dining hall on Christmas night, before an audience of some 700 people, composed of “up” patients, inmates, the staff and their friends.

The following artists contributed: David Houston, Harry Mitchell, Jack Atkinson, Billy Brown, Rhythm Sisters, Elizabeth Pinkerton, Molly Bell, Jean Finla’’s Musical Sisters, Betty Holmes, Charley Morrow, Brian Morris, Bob Templeton, The Melody Boys. Charley McIntosh and McConnell and Quigley.

The concert was compered by Jimmy McAlpine and Jack Forde, the accompanist being Myfanwy Pretherch.

A vote of thanks to the artists and the ladies who provided tea was proposed by Mr H Diamond, commissioner, and conveyed by Captain R W Craig, Clerk of Union.