Posted on 10 October 2024

The Welshpool fundraising branch of The League of Friends to The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital (RJAH) is celebrating a momentous milestone – 60 years of committed fundraising efforts.

Over the past six decades the branch has raised an incredible £124,273, which has directly supported countless patients and members of staff at the Oswestry based hospital.

The Welshpool branch attributes much of its success to the generosity and backing of the local community, with high-end fundraising events such as fashion shows, coffee mornings and luncheons attracting considerable support.

The inaugural meeting of the Welshpool branch was held at Powys Castle by kind invitation of the Earl and Countess of Powys on Monday 4^th May 1964.

The first committee meeting followed in January 1965 at the Royal Oak Hotel, which has proudly served as the venue for the branch’s Annual General Meetings ever since.

Gaynor Hughes has been a dedicated committee member since 1984, serving as Secretary for 11 years. She currently holds the position of Chairperson, a role she has fulfilled for the past 22 years.

Gaynor said: “We’re extremely lucky to have a world class orthopaedic hospital on our doorstep and it’s been a privilege to fundraise for and support RJAH over the years – I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time as a member of Welshpool branch.

“We are grateful to those who have generously sponsored us over the years and to the Royal Oak for their hospitality – the support our branch has seen over the years has been second to none.

“We remain in a strong position, with three new members recently joining, and we look forward to celebrating 60 years of fundraising success later this year.”

The branch will be hosting an intimate celebration event in December to mark their 60^th anniversary. This will take place on December 9^th at The Royal Oak.

Harry Turner, RJAH Chairman, offered his congratulations to the Welshpool Friends on their milestone. He said: “We are immensely proud of the Welshpool branch and their 60 years of extraordinary fundraising success. Their unwavering dedication, hard work, and passion for supporting RJAH has made a significant difference to both patients and staff.”

Victoria Sugden, Charity Director, said: “This is a very dynamic group that has been wonderfully lead over the years and has served the community so excellently.

“We are incredibly thankful for their hard work and dedication, and we look forward to seeing what the future holds for the branch as they go from strength to strength.”

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