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Century of Insch Hospital to be celebrated with series of events


By Jonathan Clark

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Campaign to save Insch Hospital...Picture: Becky Saunderson..
Campaign to save Insch Hospital...Picture: Becky Saunderson..

A CENTURY of Insch Hospital is set to be celebrated with a series of events in the town next weekend.

A parade and a vintage car run, among other events, will take place on Sunday, August 21, to mark 100 years since the opening of the hospital.

The facility would have provided a century of continuous service to the area had it not been temporarily closed two years ago when the coronavirus pandemic hit.

The hospital – built as a memorial to the fallen after World War One – was constructed, funded and run by the local community until it was taken over by the NHS in 1948.

Friends of Insch Hospital and Community, who still hope the facility can be reopened and returned to former glories, are running the centenary event.

Events that are due to take place on August 21 in Insch.
Events that are due to take place on August 21 in Insch.

Chairperson Graham Matthews said: "Insch has provided a model for integrated community health care provision since the foundation of the hospital and the innovative approach adopted a 100 years ago here continues.

"The hospital building remains in remarkably good condition, albeit some aspects of the existing accommodation do not entirely conform with current health care specifications – but that is a common feature shared by much of the NHS hospital estate in Aberdeenshire."

Back in 1922, a slow march by war veterans and a piper commemorated the opening of the hospital. A century on – this march will be repeated.

Alongside that, there will be a larger procession starting at the Community Centre car park at 1pm. Led by Huntly Pipe Band, the parade will head along George Street and end at the hospital. There will be a brief ceremony at the hospital at around 1.30pm.

Elsewhere, there will be a classic car parade as 100 Years of Motoring will tour the village at 2pm – starting and ending at the Hospital Field. The vehicles involved will then park up in a field beside the hospital for viewing by the public.

Friends of Insch Hospital and Community continue to appeal for more classic car owners to come forward and take part in the parade.

A newly-published book about the hospital, celebrating a 100 years of local medical provision in Insch and district, will also be launched.

"The new book not only celebrates almost a century of inpatient services, but also outlines proposals for future development," Mr Matthews added.

"It isn’t just a history, and we hope it contributes to developing a path forward that continues to exploit the great resource our community’s consistent support can provide."

Refreshments will be provided at the nearby Institute in Rannes Street from 2.15pm, where the adjoining library will be open and featuring an exhibition about the hospital.

For more information, visit www.friendsofinschhospital.org.


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