Over a hundred turn out to mark Yeatman Hospital's historic milestone
More than 160 people have come together to celebrate the 150th birthday of the Yeatman Hospital in Sherborne.
A grand garden party marked the occasion, attended by current and former staff and patients, local residents and generations of families.
Matron Anne Hiscock and her colleagues organised the event. They carried out hours of research and sourced an array of old photographs and artefacts from years gone by at the historic venue to display at the spectacle.
She said: “We were looking through some old books about the hospital when we realised the date it was founded. We felt it would be great to celebrate the milestone and bring the local community together.
“The hospital means so much to so many people. The majority of those living in the area were either born here, have had treatment here or know someone who has. The fact so many have attended our celebration highlights how passionate they are about it.”
The Yeatman was founded in 1886 by the friends of Reverend Harry Farr Yeatman, a local squire and magistrate who was well respected in the local community. He died in 1881 at the age of 75.
It is one of the oldest hospitals in Dorset and originally housed just eight beds, compared to 30 now.
Jenny Jesney worked at the hospital from 1985. She said: “It’s lovely to see so many people coming together to share their memories, look back at some old photographs and enjoy reminiscing with old acquaintances. The hospital really has come a long way since the early days.”
Local resident Rosemary Lowcock, 89, is currently a patient and gave birth to her two children at the Yeatman. She said: “This hospital means everything to me and staff have always been so kind. I couldn’t cope without it and it is an honour to mark its 150th anniversary.”
The garden party was officially opened by Josie Langmead, the step great great great-granddaughter of Harry Yeatman, and she paid tribute to the hard work and dedication of staff over the years.