The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
The final act of a club set up nearly 50 years ago for Spalding’s hospital has been to donate all its cash to local good causes.
The Johnson Hospital Social Club was established by a Matron Ward in 1975 to initially raise funds for the old hospital on Priory Road.
Members paid in and went on social occasions, the profits of which went towards equipment for healthcare in the town.
It wasn’t just meals and quiz nights, and afternoon, members remember fondly trips to the likes of Mallorca, Naples and Florence along with fashion shows.
The social club continued when the hospital moved to the present site.
But meetings stopped after the COVID lockdowns and with dwindling numbers the decision was made to end the club.
To mark its end, four charities were given grants for £500.
The Lighthouse Project, the Spalding branch of The Royal British Legion, The Meadows and the Bourne based Don’t Lose Hope charity.
Chair Gwen Eldred said: “It’s sad because it’s the end of an era.
“Most of us are retired due to COVID we hadn’t met up for a while.
“With the number that’s needed to run a charity, it’s just not become viable.
“Giving out this money is a great way to finish.”
Jane Dhanji the house manager at The Lighthouse Project, said: “Obviously we’re really grateful for any funding provided to us.
“It’s such a shame the club is closing.”
Maisie Wenham, of The Meadows management team, said: “We’re so grateful and thankful of them for thinking of us.
“It’s lovely they’re supporting local charities.”
