Gifts And Tributes To The Torridge Hospital - 11th August 1972

Bideford Torridge Hospital's new £4,500 sun lounge provided a much needed amenity and they were grateful to all those who had made it possible, said Mr J C Woolley, group secretary of the North Devon Hospital Management Committee, at the official opening of the lounge.
The capital cost of £4,500 had been met by the Regional Hospital Board, he said, and the Hartland fund had met the cost of the furnishings. Anonymous donors had also contributed an electric clock and tables.
Dr William Ruddock, opening the lounge, revealed that he had been professionally associated with the hospital for some 35 years. The nurses treated the patients with affection and understanding, he said. A fine example had been set them by former matron Mrs J Morris and the present matron, Mrs M D Ray, who had done more than anyone to make the hospital what it was.
He wished the Torridge many more years of enterprise and success. They were already proud of the hospital but the addition of the sun lounge made them even more so.
Mr Leslie Aplin, vice-chairman of the Exeter Hospital Aid Society, presented the hospital with a television set for use in the lounge. Money for it had been raised by the local committee under their chairman, Mrs Arnold, said Mr Aplin, and he warmly thanked both her and the committee for their work.
Following the ceremony the hospital was open for inspection during the afternoon.