Sylvia is new League of Friends’ secretary

Until recently Mrs Roverato was a lecturer at the college of Further Education in Cricklade.

Sylvia, who lives near the hospital says: "Now that I have more time I wanted to do something practical and helpful very locally. I believe that local hospitals are absolutely vital especially as they are near enough for patients and visitors to reach easily.

I know that the League does good, worthwhile work, including looking after the hospital garden and providing the daily tea rounds".

She has joined the League's team that takes care of the garden and notes "In fine weather it is lovely to see patients being taken into the garden by their families or friends."

Sylvia succeedsn Mr Chris Marchant. He has worked extremely hard for the League and has relinquished the role after four years to concentrate on his new post as voluntary Secretary of the Test Valley South Locality Health Forum.

This is headed by local doctors and is working closely with the Hampshire Primary Care Trust on future health care in the area.

Local people continue to support the League by making donations. The Midnight Musical Theatre have given money from their Plaza concert, Mrs Hunter Cox has held another fund raising coffee morning, Chilworth Old Village Fete have again raised funds and Romsey's Norman Masonic Lodge has paid for an ice machine which helps ease patients' pains. Collecting boxes at the hospital contained £270 from patients and visitors. The late Thomas Dismore left a generous bequest to the League.

Donations have been received in memory of George Henry Vanderplank, Patrick David Williams, Sidney Victor Raine and Betty Allen.

Total contributions in the past few months amount to £7,013.

Sam Ainsworth of Lindesays Estate Agents has volunteered to enter the sponsored BUPA Great South Run in Portsmouth on October 28 Anyone wishing to sponsor Sam can sign up either at Lindesays, (next door to Aldi) in the Hundred or at the office of the Romsey Advertiser.