King Charles

I put my union flag bunting up first thing, not very easy as it's been very windy here today! Later I walked into town for a talk at the library, going a bit early to have a look at any Coronation related window dressing. As with the Platinum jubilee, Bakers and Larners let the town down with only bunting inside the shop, yet capitalising on Coronation relating sales opportunities. There was quite a lot of flags, posters and bunting around in the smaller shops though, they did well. For a blip I couldn't resist these items in the interesting Red Dot Gallery - shame it wasn't open as I liked the look of the mice! This afternoon I did some gardening out the front - the soil here goes from wet to hard as concrete so quickly!

It was a very interesting Library talk about Kelling Hospital at the edge of Holt. It was originally established in 1901 with just 20 patients to treat TB patients with lots of rest, nourishing food and fresh air. At that time the annual salary of a Doctor was £150, a Matron £60, and 2 nurses cost £37p.a in total. Queen Mary visited, became a patron, and after her visit sent 10 pheasants from Sandringham! The hospital grew and carried out operations - peaking I think in the 1950's. Then TB started to be treated at home, but lung cancer patients grew in number. When a new ward was opened in 1989 by a member of the Royal Family, the curtain was drawn back and the plaque unfortunately referred to it as 'Killing Hospital'! The hospital now has only about 20 beds again, largely for rehab post op and for palliative care. Demand exceeds supply, but they can't get staff as the area has an elderly population (too few younger people) and people moving in can't afford the house prices.