VIVIENNE KNAGGS, Ryedale’s Champion for Older People, meets the dedicated team of volunteers who work tirelessly to support Malton Hospital.

ON Monday, June 4, the League of Friends of Malton Hospital will be holding a party at the rugby club in Malton to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee.

They hope as many people as possible will attend not only to celebrate the Queen’s reign but the very excellent work done by volunteers for this universally acknowledged asset to the Ryedale community.

Jezz Kipling, chairman of the League and a chef at the hospital, is enthusiastic and keen to carry on the good work of his predecessor Barbara Head who worked unstintingly in the role for more than five years.

The achievements of this group are truly amazing. Their record in providing equipment for the hospital over many years, particularly providing three scanners, could hardly be equalled anywhere. The most recent up-to-date one has cost £72,500. Altogether, more than £2 million has been spent.

But as Jezz says, this could never have been achieved without the dedication of all the volunteers who give up their time to so much fundraising. In particular, the acquisition of their charity shop some years ago has meant a constant stream of funds. The current treasurer Adela Haywood must be kept very busy.

However, the challenges for health care mean that demands remain pressing if we are to ensure the future of Malton Hospital. And there have been many threats to this most treasured facility.

The Springwood project can only be one welcome outcome for all the work and support, although there remains regret for the loss of such services as the maternity unit to Scarborough. The current reviews may well mean further changes but let us hope they will be positive ones which will see the hospital thriving and maintaining a key role in the community.

All the volunteers over the years should take a bow. It is noticeable that all ages are involved in helping and this can only be indicative of the universal support for the hospital.

Up to 30 volunteers are involved in fundraising at any one time, but others help with projects which include visiting people, planting tubs, leafleting and collecting goods. Some people have been involved for up to 25 years and two women still participating are in their 80s.

So popular is the cause that businesses are keen to help. The Old Lodge and The Potting Shed Café are just two, but other groups join in as well for special events.

Opinions are widely sought about the direction to be taken by the League and there are close relationships with Sheila Millar, the chairman of Link, about what supporters want or don’t want. Similarly, Penny Goff, of the Foundation Trust, signs up new recruits and is eager for people to have a say. Join them. You will be made very welcome.