Reunion in Holbeach for Fleet Hospital colleagues

Organisers of a reunion for former staff of Fleet Hospital want more people to hear about it.

So far about 50 former colleagues are due to attend the event at Holbeach United Social Club in Park Road on Friday, June 16 (7pm).

One of the organisers, Mick Lowe, said: “All past staff members are welcome to purchase a ticket and are asked to bring along any photos that they may have so we can all share in the nostalgia.
“We have set up a Facebook page called Fleet Hospital Holbeach; please take a look and join.
“At the moment we have 50 people coming to the reunion but it would be great to see a few more attending.”

He added: “Music will be low so that we can all reminisce and give people chance to reconnect with people they may not have seen for more than 30 years and then afterwards anyone wanting to dance can do so.”

There was a hospital (workhouse) in Holbeach from 1777, the first being in Penny Hill Road and could house 35 inmates.

This was in use until 1837 when, under the newly-formed Holbeach Poor Law Union, a new workhouse was built. It was built on the north side of Fleet Road at a cost of £4,830 and would accommodate 386 people.
In 1851 an infirmary was added as a separate building and had 36 beds for those inmates who became ill.
In 1948 it became a hospital for people with learning disabilities.Fleet Hospital closed its doors in 1988/89, with patients – now known as service users – moved to purpose-built units in Winsover Road, Spalding.

Reunion tickets are £5, which includes buffet, free raffle and music. Any monies left over will be donated to St Barnabas charity.