STAFF at Farnham Hospital were thanked for their service to the community when they celebrated the NHS’s 70th birthday on July 5.

The monumental birthday was celebrated with an afternoon tea full of strawberries and cream, cake and scones.

For many years the Friends of Farnham Hospital have provided strawberries to the in-patients during Wimbledon week, but this year the event was extended to include all those who work at the hospital.

Staff from almost a dozen different organisations were entertained in the secure garden with the food prepared by the Community Hospital Kitchen and a medley of 1948 songs played by Hugh Alford and friends from various ukele groups.

Long serving attendees who helped set up the event included Kath, who has worked at the hospital for 16 years, and Kevin, who has also been a member of staff for 29 years.

George Alford, chair of the Friends of Farnham Hospital and Centre for Health, said: “We are delighted at the successful expansion of the strawberry tea. We estimate that over 200 staff and 50 patients participated.

“There are many people to thank, especially the staff themselves. Hall Hunter generously supplied the strawberries, while members from the Rotary Club of Farnham Weyside, led by Brian Kurton, and the new president of Inner Wheel, Kath Slape served the tea.

“Trustees of the Friends then went into the wards to serve those patients who were not able to come to the garden.”

Sarah Wardle, managing director for Virgin Care in Surrey, said: “It was a pleasure to celebrate the NHS turning 70 and it was fantastic to see everyone come together, who work at Farnham Hospital, rejoice and look back at the difference made by colleagues to the local community over the past 70 years.”

Jenny Partridge and Dr Rebecca Reynolds of Farnham Integrated Care Services said: “We were delighted to celebrate the 70th birthday of the NHS with all the other services within Farnham Hospital.

“It was a lovely event and encouraged staff across all parts of the NHS to mix and get to know each other.”

Find out more about the Friends at www.lof-fhch.co.uk/index.html.