"Keeping The Flame Alive" Builth Hospital 9/12/06
The weather held for BACH’s first open air event in support of Builth
Cottage Hospital - "Keeping The Flame Alive".
Over 400 hundred people
braved the December cold to attend a rousing carol service supported
by local choirs, school children and bands. It was again good
to see Powys wide support with representatives from Hay, Talgarth and
Llanidloes joining in.
The Rev. Brian Reardon started the service with a prayer for the hospital stating that this was an opportunity to bring the whole community together to ask that the good work done here in the past may continue in the future. This was followed by carols including "O Come All Ye Faithful", "Hark The Herald Angels Sing" and "Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer".
Between carols a one-minute silence was observed in memory and respect of
all patients and staff at Builth Cottage Hospital, past and present.
Rev. Phil Morris commented to the crowd, after a vigorous rendition of "The First
Noel", "If the Local Health Board had shown the same determination to keep the
hospital open as you did singing that carol - then we wouldn’t be here today"
After carols the crowd moved forward to light candles in memory of a loved one
and in support of the hospital. The flickering glow
was impressive. A sight enjoyed by all and a symbol of defiance aimed at Powys
Local Health Board
Staff and patients alike watched the sevice from the comfort of "That Special
Place on the Hill". The organisers, BACH, had aimed for a low-key event,
without platforms and placards. They were astounded by the turnout and overwhelmed
by support from both public and staff.
The campaign continues………