26/07/2026
Its at annual general meetings you look back and reflect on achievements during the past year, and what a lot that was for our league. Between 1st April 2025 and 31st March 2026 the league provided £23,066 of funding for health services across the community. It also helped to highlight to the community the many clinics and services available at Wellington Community Hospital.
During the meeting Chair, Martine Thurtle, paid tribute to her fellow trustees saying they were the key element to the success of the league. Without them the generously donated funds could not be raised and assessments made of requests for funding.
In her report she said: "We continue to develop awareness of what the League does to support the medical needs of our community. The League has been able to continue working to support the health of our community with the medical teams at the hospital under Norma Coombes, Matron. We have also supported the Community Nurses, our GP practice at Wellington Medical Centre and part funded a community defibrillator, which has already been used to save a young life. With Income of £14,277 and funding requests approved of £23,066 it can be seen that, when appropriate, we do use Reserves.”
In her report Press Officer, Diane Grabham reminded everyone its not all about the money, its also about getting our name out there and letting people know what clinics and services are available at Wellington Community Hospital. The league had worked closely with Paul Hopkins, External Communications Lead at Somerset NHS and this led to two videos being produced - one about the current use of our hospital and a second on its history and that of the LoF. One of the highlights of the year had been the very successful Open Day at the hospital in October when Matron, Norma Coombes and senior staff nurse Kate Henbest led many visitors on an enlightening tour of the building. In addition to the videos, the league has increased its publicity material to include an information board, pull-up banner and information leaflet.
For one of our trustees this was their last AGM as John Bailey has decided to resign after 25 years as a trustee. During this time John has served as Chair, Vice-Chair and Treasurer, putting in innumerable hours of work. On behalf of fellow trustees, Martine thanked him for his dedicated service and presented with a small gift.
Finally we come to the election of officers. Martine was standing down as chair, after six years in the post - she will remain as a trustee. Sue Alderman stepped up from vice-chair and was elected as the new chair. Cheryl Bailey and Brian Blelloch were re-elected as secretary and treasurer respectively and Diane Grabham elected as vice-chair and re-elected as press officer.
A big thank-you to everyone who supports us. Without you none of this would be possible. We are so privileged to have such a thriving Community Hospital, long may it continue.
