The Felixstowe League of Friends became a registered charity in 1977. The objective was, "to provide funds for the purpose of supplementing ... the resources of the hospitals and the community health services in Felixstowe".

Over the years substantial sums of money have been raised and spent for these purposes. However, the closure of the Bartlet Hospital has required our constitution to be amended to the singular version of the word hospitals.

In 2006 there was great uncertainty about the future of both hospitals in Felixstowe, and this resulted in an almost complete drying up of requests by the staff of both hospitals. This situation continued into 2007 on account of the closure of the Felixstowe General for major refurbishment, and the decision permanently to close and then sell the Bartlet.

The re-opening of the General Hospital, now the Felixstowe Community Hospital, returns the League to its former activities. An important one is the project, made possible by a large donation from one individual, to create a garden at the rear of the Hospital for the benefit (when weather allows!) of both patients and staff. We are confidently expecting other requests soon to follow.

All members of the public may join the League, for an annual subscription of £1, and members and non-members alike are invited to attend any or all of our social functions, all profits of which credit our funds.

Unfortunately, we have had to cancel our popular twice yearly hot lunches, in the absence of a catering officer, and we are still looking for a volunteer for this job.

For further information about the League please contact Leslie Ramsey, Press Officer, at 45, Harvest House, Cobbold Road, IP11 7SP, or e-mail hamram@tiscali.co.uk