PAM Parnell welcomed over 100 people on behalf of the League of Friends of Launceston Hospital to their 50th Anniversary Tea Party.

Guests were entertained by Launceston Pop Choir, which set the scene of a nice joyful afternoon at Launceston Town Hall. The room was decorated by Once in a Blue Balloon and committee members and the catering was provided by Judith Scott and her team.

Rob Tremain was master of ceremonies and during the event, held on Sunday (September 19), talked about the history of the medical facilities in Launceston and more recently about the League of Friends and why it was set up.

He said: “In 1971 the League of Friends supported Launceston Hospital, St Mary’s Hospital and Trebursye maternity home. When Trebursye closed the support was given to the newly built Longlands unit at Launceston Hospital. In the early 90s when the medical centre moved to its current location the League of Friends adopted them into their constitution.”

He went on to say: “That the League of Friends have raised and spent thousands of pounds on medical equipment which benefits us all.”

It was also an afternoon of changes. After nearly 49 years each, both Val Hillman and Mary Maynard have decided to resign from the committee, Pam thanked them both for their commitment and support throughout their time with the League. Val for a period of time was secretary and Mary was vice-chairman, they were both presented with a rose bush.

After 12 years as secretary, Enis Broad has taken a back seat and they welcomed Helen Thompson as their new secretary.

Also it was an end of an era, as Pam has decided to retire from the role of chairman. Pam has been involved with the League of Friends for 49 years and has held the position of chairman for a great number of years.

Pam said: “I have had the pleasure of working with some wonderful volunteers and have always benefited from a top-class committee. Our volunteers are highly dedicated and cover their many commitments with a cheery smile no matter what. As we move forward to our next 50 years I feel my time as chairman is over and now is the right moment to move on with a new team to continue and build on our work as a charity.

“I am delighted that Lisa Dymond has agreed to become our chairman. Having worked closely with her during the last few years I know that she will bring huge commitment, energy and enthusiasm to the role. The League of Friends is lucky to have such a new energetic team with Lisa, Helen and Donna our treasurer to lead us through the next chapter of our history.”

Both Pam and Enis will remain as valued committee members; they were both thanked and presented with a bouquet of flowers by incoming chairman Lisa Dymond.

Lisa said: “I would like to thank both Pam and Enis for the wonderful work they have both done over the years and hope I can do as much good as they have done, and it is great that they are both staying on the committee as I will certainly value their expertise.”

John Wakeham gave a vote of thanks to all those who have made the tea party a success, he went on to say that after being president of the League and all the recent changes he felt it was time for him to step down as president and pass the role onto Pam after all the work and commitment she has given to the league. John was thanked by Lisa for his support and was presented with a bottle of port; John will remain on the committee as a member.

After the announcements of the changes it was time to cut the cake which was made and donated by All That Jazz.

Two founding members were welcomed to join in cutting the cake — Vyv and Yvonne Toms — who were the first treasurer and secretary in 1971, they too are also celebrating 50 years as it is their golden wedding anniversary next month.

The League of Friends raffle was also drawn; Lisa thanked Emily Cowling and Helen Thompson for all their hard work in organising the raffle and prizes.

Lisa said: “We have a fantastic first prize which is our ‘Launceston Hamper’ which is worth over £300 and has kindly been donated by various businesses within the town. The last 18 months have been tough for all of us including these businesses, but we are so luckily that national, regional and local businesses have continued to support our charity.”

The lucky recipient of this prize was Jessica Striplin of Launceston.

At the end of the afternoon the balloons were given to the hospital along with one of the celebratory cakes for the patients to enjoy.