Friends of Townlands Hospital Celebrates 70th Anniversary

The Friends of Townlands Hospital marked its 70th anniversary this week with a celebration event at the hospital for special guests who have helped the charity over the years.

Chair of FROTH, Caro Newton warmly welcomed everyone and introduced Vice-President Dr Peter Ashby saying “over 50 years Peter has been absolutely central to making this hospital what it is today.”  Dr Ashby said, “Lovely to see you all here tonight.  The League of Friends (LoF) was started out by Charles Luker and it is lovely that John his Grandson is here tonight.  The LoF began to try and raise funds to provide equipment and goodies for the patients in the Henley hospitals. In those days, it included the War Memorial Hospital which is no longer and Townlands itself which had elderly patients, a young disabled unit and an active maternity unit.  It was quite a big set up and at the time was around 40 beds and very well used.  In those days they did properly elderly care.  It was a very active hospital and we were very lucky. Over the years, the Friends have brought all sorts of equipment starting off with walking frames and wheelchairs.  More recently we have bought specialised beds and equipment.”

Dr Ashby went on to tell the history of the hospitals in Henley and how he and others fought to get money from the sale of the War Memorial Hospital (off Harpsden Road) ploughed back into Townlands, the formation of the Council, Townlands Steering Group in 2003 who were instrumental in the new hospital being built in 2017 with the promise of 12 beds however this was later renegued on and 12 intermediate care beds were then offered in Chiltern Court Care home.  The number of these beds however have been reduced over the years and the health authority decided to close them in December 2024. The hospital now offers a Minor Injuries Unit, Rapid Access Care Unit, physiotherapy, and many outpatient clinics including ENT, neurology and urology.

Vice President, Judith Nimmo-Smith did the honours of cutting the cake, she said, “It was a great pleasure to pull this poster together which gives a snapshot of things that have happened over the years.  One of the most entertaining things was when Dame Mary Berry came to judge a cake competition from a recipe she’d given us. Caro made a wonderful rendition that was cooked in a home barbecue which Mary was quite complimentary about.  Thank you to everyone who make regular donations.  Special mention to Lord and Lady Phillimore who have helped us over the years which is very much appreciated.  Let’s hope we can carry on strong from here.”