North Walsham

Young artist’s mural turns hospital brick wall into a wildlife wonderland

30th March 2021 by Richard Batson

A dull brick wall at the hospital has been transformed into an idyllic rural river scene by a talented young artist.

Sophie Cane’s mural is brightening the outlook for patients, staff and visitors.

But her biggest work yet will also help launch her art career having just been awarded a Master’s degree with merit in communication design from the Norwich University of the Arts, following an earlier BA in illustration.

The 8ft by 6ft picture shows water, woodland, and flowers, with cut-out creatures from a kingfisher and heron to butterflies and bees, added to literally add another dimension.

North Walsham War Memorial Hospital mural by Sophie Cane — Kingfisher

It has been mounted on a plain brick wall at the hospital where the Friends responded to staff pleas to improve the boring view. The Friends appealed for local artists and chose Sophie, 23, from Litcham near Dereham, who has spent countless hours on the project since finishing her degree.

She said: “Before the latest lockdown I drove around the area and took pictures of places so the work reflected the local countryside. The water is based on Ebridge Mill, but I also went to Captain’s Pond at Westwick and Little London.

“It has been a challenge – because it is by far the biggest piece I have ever done, but I am really pleased with it, and hopes it shows that my work can by scaled up to give a big impact.”

Sophie did the work in the paint shop of her gunstock maker dad Gary, using acrylic vinyl scenery paint on marine plywood. She is hoping to find work doing murals, or larger scale art – in contrast to the smaller nature-themed jewellery and pet portraits she sells online at Etsy.

Hospital Friends chairman Keith Jarvis said: “We are delighted with the mural Sophie has done for us. It really brings a piece of local countryside into the hospital, and is much more pleasant to look at than bricks and mortar.

“Sophie approached the project with energy and enthusiasm, and if it helps showcase her talent to kick-start her art career that will be a bonus.”

The Friends paid for the mural project using their funds which come from public donations and legacies which provide “extras” at the hospital. They have also included weekly goody parcels to boost the morale of staff working long shifts in full protective gear during the Covid crisis.

See more of Sophie’s work at www.sophiecaneillustration.com

We wish her well in her career.

Hospital unveils day room makeover and says ‘that’s what Friends are for’

29th January 2019 by Richard Batson

A £22,000 facelift has turned the hospital day room into a welcoming space where patients and visitors can relax and reminisce.

North Walsham War Memorial Hospital, Day Room, Friendship Room, Norman Lamb, Keith Jarvis — MP Norman Lamb with guests at the opening of the revamped Friendship Room at North Walsham War Memorial Hospital. Pic by Richard Batson

The project at North Walsham War Memorial Hospital was paid for by the League of Friends, which channels public funding donations into “extras” to benefit patients, families and staff.

The day room has been renamed the Friendship Room in recognition of the Friends’ work and to reflect its use as space where patients and visitors can relax and chat away from the wards.

It was officially opened by MP Norman Lamb who said it showed the value of the Friends’ work, and the strength of community support for the hospital.

The hospital, which also has social care and clinics such as physiotherapy, fitted the new long term NHS vision to deliver more care closer to people’s homes he added.

One wall of the refurbished Friendship Room has been transformed with a giant mural of a sun-dappled woodland, and another adorned with archive pictures of the hospital and town as a conversation piece for patients.

Friends chairman Keith Jarvis said the group was formed in 1949, two years after the NHS and had a proud history of supporting the local hospital – from providing a new training room to Christmas gifts for patients.

The day room project also includes a new television, blinds, flooring and furniture. It is also planned to renew furniture in the garden patio area outside the day room, for people to enjoy in good weather.

Among the guests at opening was town mayor Barry Hester who has made the Friends his civic charity of the year and has so far raised £2850.

The hospital is run by the Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust whose chief executive Josie Spencer added: “We are lucky to have people like the Friends who are willing to work on local initiatives like this – which can be projects we cannot afford, or would take longer to achieve without their help.”

The Friends are keen to recruit new members to help them in their work. If you are interested visit the How To Help section of this website.

Carols bring festive cheer to hospital wards

15th December 2018 by Richard Batson

North Walsham War Memorial Hospital League of Friends — North Walsham War Memorial Hospital Broadland Youth Choir carol singing. Pic Richard Batson

The festive lilt of carols echoed around the wards and corridors of North Walsham War Memorial Hospital as patients enjoyed a seasonal singing treat from talented youngsters.

The annual visit by the Broadland Youth Choir is organised by the hospital’s Friends group to bring some festive cheer to those having to spend Christmas in the unit.

Gentle and upbeat seasonal songs were performed by nine choristers from the choir for 8 to 16-year-olds which is based at Salhouse, and which says its regular visit to the hospital is one of the youngsters’ favourite ‘gigs’.

Friends’ secretary Angela Batson said: “You can see how thepatients, and their visiting families, really enjoy the young choristersthrough their smiles and applause. It is quite emotional.”

The Friends will be back at the hospital again next weekend delivering festive gifts to patients.

Pool marathon pockets funds for charity

1st October 2018 by Richard Batson

Pool potty fundraisers played for 24-hours non-stop in North Walsham town centre to boost the Friends’ funds.

Before the start. Rob Scammell, Phil McCormick, mayor Barry Hester, Callum Tartt and Shelby Evans. Picture Richard BatsonA four-strong team of friends chalked their cues for a marathon session which saw them sink 5000 balls – and raise £1300 to be split between two good causes.

Half will go to the Friends group, supporting its work providing extras and improvements to help patients, families and staff.

The rest will go to 20-year-old Sophie Kennedy from Stalham, whose family are seeking to give her a dream Disney holiday break from her three times a week dialysis as she awaits a transplant.

The marathon began at 4pm on Saturday (September 29th) and ended a day later.

The players, boosted by guest spots from friends, managed to achieve their 5000-ball target by just after 9am on Sunday morning – leaving them to relax and coast in to the finishing time.

Action took place under the town clock in the Market Place by kind permission of mayor Barry Hester whose official charity in his year of office is the hospital Friends.

Mr Hester cued the event off and was there at the finish to congratulate the players.

North Walsham Hospital Friends — Cueing off. Rob Scammell, Callum Tartt, mayor Barry Hester, Phil McCormick and Shelby Evans. Picture Richard Batson

Organiser Rob Scammell, from Café Kitale, said: “It was tiring – and we were flagging around 3.30am before it got light – but adrenaline, banter and energy drinks kept us going, along with support from people who dropped by and put money in the bucket.”

For two of the players, Callum and Phil, there was no respite this week – and they were straight back in potting action just a couple of days later with the start of the new league.

Callum Tartt and Shelby Evans in action during the pool marathon. Picture Richard BatsonHospital Friends chairman Keith Jarvis added: “The players did a fantastic job. It must have been tough playing at a high pace all through the night. We are very grateful for the money they have raised for us.”

The Friends rely on public donations to provide a range of extras at the hospital. The latest project is a revamp of the day room which should be complete in early November.

Town mayor chooses the Friends as his special charity

27th May 2018 by Richard Batson

The Friends have got a new friend in a high place – recently- appointed North Walsham Mayor Barry Hester.

Barry Hester, mayor, North Walsham, civic, charity — North Walsham Mayor Barry Hester who is supporting the Friends during his civic year. Picture courtesy North Walsham Town Council.

He has kindly made us his charity of the year, and has pledged to raise hundreds of pounds during his time in office.

Mr Hester, 60, was mayor two years ago, when he raised £1900, which was split between the local dementia support group – in memory of his mother who lived with the condition – and the parish church First World War window restoration appeal.

After donning the chain once more, the retired civil servant has chosen the Friends to benefit from civic and town council charity events this year.

They will include the civic dinner, Christmas markets, market stalls and tombolas as well as other events he will be discussing soon with fellow councillors and the Friends.

Mr Hester, who lives in Corbett Road, North Walsham, said: “I was looking for a good cause to support and it did not take long to choose the hospital Friends.

“I attended the opening of the hospital’s training suite they provided during my last term of office, and am keen to help them carry on their good work.”

Friends chairman Keith Jarvis said: “We are thrilled to have the support of the mayor. Not only will it bring us more funds to help the hospital and its patients, but it will help raise awareness of who we are and what we do.”

The Friends are currently in talks with the health authorities over plans to improve the hospital day centre and garden patio for the benefit of patients and visiting relatives.

Young artist’s mural turns hospital brick wall into a wildlife wonderland

Hospital unveils day room makeover and says ‘that’s what Friends are for’

Carols bring festive cheer to hospital wards

Pool marathon pockets funds for charity

Town mayor chooses the Friends as his special charity

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