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You are here  : Home Press 2007 Press Releases 2007 Refreshing New Start for Friends
Refreshing New Start for Friends
Written by Communications Team   
 
The Ashford Hospital League of Friends have opened a new Refreshment Bar and Shop in the Main Entrance at AshfordHospital, Ashford, Middx near Staines.   This replaces the League’s old Tea Bar which was located in the now closed West Wing.    The formal ribbon cutting ceremony was carried out by Consultant Cardiologist and Hon. President of the League of Friends, Dr Peter Wilkinson.  He said: “The Friends at Ashford Hospital carry out a very important role.  Their activities are many and varied and they have always adapted to circumstances.   The opening of this new refreshment bar marks an important new stage in the support the Friends provide to the Hospital and Trust as a whole.”

The shop in the main entrance was last operated by McColls but they vacated the premises some time ago although they still held the lease.   Now that the lease has expired Ashford and St. Peter’s Hospitals NHS Trust who manage Ashford Hospitalhave been able to make the area available to the League of Friends by financial support for refurbishment and provision of new furniture.  

 

Speaking at the opening Trust Chairman Clive Thompson commented: “The Ashford Hospital League of Friends have been stalwart supporters of Ashford Hospital for many years.   The changes we have made over the last two years at the hospital have had a significant impact on the Friends ability to generate funds and I hope that this excellent new shop and refreshment bar will represent a new and exciting chapter in the Friend’s history.”

 

The Ashford League of Friends was started in 1962, when a husband and wife who are still members of the League, used to visit the Wards to ask patients what they needed before going to the High Street with their orders.   Since then the League has grown to over 60 active volunteers who have run the Atrium Coffee Shop since January 1998 (assisted by three part time paid staff) and take Shop, Ice Cream and Library trolleys around ward and clinic areas.

During the course of a year the Friends hold various fund raising events and the proceeds are used to fund the purchase of additional medical equipment and supplies to support both patients and staff at the hospital.   But all this requires people to support and volunteer with the Friends.

 

“We could not do what we do without the generous support and commitment from all our volunteers,” said Eric Molinari, Ashford Hospital League of Friends Chairman.  “There have been many changes over the last two years at Ashford Hospital and the role played by the League has changed somewhat but this has given us the opportunity to embrace different activities and new opportunities such as this new shop and refreshment bar.  I am grateful to everyone who has supported us in its development.”

 

The League need additional people to help support and extend the running of the new Refreshment Bar which will initially be open from 9.00a.m. to 3.30p.m. Monday to Friday.   Anyone interested in supporting the Ashford Hospital League of Friends can contact Eric and Vi Molinari on 01932-783550.