Thanks to George sending this in on behalf of the Friends of St Mary’s Hospital – Ed.
Seating sculpted from an oak tree, in memory of a woman who had made a generous legacy to the Friends of St Mary’s Hospital, Newport, was officially presented to the hospital yesterday.
The seating, sited by the north hospital entrance, close to the children’s ward, was formally handed over at a small ceremony by the Friends’ president, Gloria Minghella. It was in memory of Jean Rashley, of Niton, who died in 2008, aged 75.
While most of the money left to the Friends is being used to purchase much needed equipment and facilities for the NHS on the Island, the Friends thought it was also appropriate there should be a practical memorial in the grounds of the hospital.
Music and animals the main feature
The seating is made up of two lengths of oak tree on which there are carvings denoting Miss Rashley’s great loves: music and animals.
These themes are also captured between the seats with a giant hare, fashioned from from Douglas fir, which is playing a violin.
The whole project is the work of Paul Sivell, also of Niton, whose sculpted wooden figures can be found all over the Island.
A work of art, full of life
Gloria Minghella described his hospital seating as ‘a beautiful work of art – so full of life’. She was sure Jean Rashley would have been delighted with the project. “I am sure lots of people will make a special journey here, just to have a look.”
Joy Wroath, former publicity officer for the Friends and cousin of Jean Rashley, described how they had grown up together in Niton, enjoying many happy hours at their grandfather’s farm.
Eventually, she said, Jean had become an accomplished pianist, and was a peripatetic teacher who visited numerous primary schools. She was also enthusiastic about the work of the Friends. “She was a tiny person with a massively warm personality.”
A short service of dedication was conducted by Pastor Jenny Yates. Among the Friends attending the presentation was vice-chairman Gerry Moglione, representing chairman, Geoffery Banks. Also there was Gerry’s wife, Margaret, who was chairman of the Friends when the order for the seating was placed. Others present included the hospital’s director of healing arts, Guy Eades, and sculptor Paul Sivell.
