Hospital friends celebrate bumper anniversary year
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WORK on the refurbishment of the iconic clock on the dome of Moray's district hospital could get underway as early as this coming summer.
Over the last 12 months, a whopping £31,000 has been raised by the Friends of Dr Gray's.
The group launched into the public realm at the start of 2019 to mark the Elgin hospital's 200th anniversary year.
A packed programme of events has since played out to celebrate the history of the building, its people and place in the community, while raising funds for the refurbishment of the clock.
Now, as they reflect on the success of the past year and look forward to 2020, the group has thanked the people of Moray for their support.
Friends of Dr Gray's chairman Tim Wakefield said: "We are extremely grateful to everyone who has donated or contributed in any way over the year, and to all those who continue to support us, and are delighted to have raised such a significant sum.
"We are in advanced discussions with specialist contractors and NHS Grampian, and are optimistic that the refurbishment work will be able to start in late Spring 2020.
"In the meantime our fundraising efforts will continue, and hopefully deliver a lasting legacy for patients, staff and the wider community."
It was on January 1, 1819 that Dr Gray's Hospital opened its doors for the first time. Two centuries on, it continues to provide care for over 100,000 people in Moray and west Aberdeenshire.
Anniversary celebrations got underway on January 6 when the hospital's bell was rung for the first time in over 50 years.
It again rung out in June when HRH The Princess Royal paid a special visit to make the 200th anniversary. During the event, a commemorative mosaic was unveiled.
October saw an anniversary ecumenical Celebration and Thanksgiving Service at Elgin Town Hall, while individuals have also undertaken their own fundraising initiatives.
That includes Jennie Kinrade from the hospital's audiology team, who walked from Mallaig to Montrose climbing seven Munros and five Corbetts along the way, as well as a team of 16 people who braved inclement weather to walk the Speyside Way.
Elgin Rotary Club donated money from its Spring Fling supper dance to the Friends group, while local businesses have also offered their support.
Among them was Johnstons of Elgin, which launched a limited edition range of cashmere scarves and rugs, while Walkers Shortbread created a limited-edition 200th Anniversary Shortbread in the shape of Gray’s dome.
And drinks company El:gin launched a commemorative Cherry gin, inspired by the cherry blossom trees which surround the hospital.
The friends group has a long term aim to support and enhance the experience of patients and staff and promote community involvement and you can visit www.friendsofdrgrays.org to donate or to find out more about the hospital's history.
