Sixteen Leaders and Star Captains were given a wonderful surprise last Saturday when they visited Rushden Hospital for the purpose of officially handing over a television set given by the Merry Comrades of Weston Favell and Mears Ashby branches.

Patients and staff of the hospital were holding a large Christmas party and the Merry Comrades were delighted to learn that they too were invited and a table was already laid complete with Christmas fare and crackers when they arrived.

A big welcome was given to the Leaders and children by Mr A.C. Colton, chairman of the Rushden House Committee, Mr R.J. Flack, senior assistant matron, and Mr E. Prior, hospital secretary.

Mr Colton, who was accompanied by his wife, thanked the Merry Comrades for the gift of the television which he said gave pleasure and enjoyment to the patients.

He went on to say how much he admired the wonderful efforts of the children and the ways in which they raised the money to help other people.

Dr O.E. Fisher also spoke of the pleasure that these gifts brought to the patients and wished the Merry Comrades every success in the future.

This was followed by tea, kindly supervised by Sister M.E. Perry.  Everyone agreed that they had had a wonderful time.

Auntie Doris [Mrs Doris Walden] was presented with a bouquet by Nurse J. Marriot.

Members of the party were Leaders Mrs Bartholomew and Mrs Findley and Star Captains Diane and Jonathan Bartholomew, Vivienne Cowley, Caroline Coles and Shirley Hanson, from Weston Favell Branch, and Leaders Mrs Clarke, Mrs Siddons (Hardwick), Mr N. Clarke and Star Captains Jacqueline and Colin Clarke and Andrew Frampton from Mears Ashby.  Auntie Doris was accompanied by Northampton Leaders, Mrs Hudson and Mrs Taylor.