Mavis Prideaux received an engraved vase and bouquet at the group’s recent annual meeting in recognition of her service.

Reflecting on her time as chairman, Mavis, who will remain the group’s membership secretary, said: “I’ve enjoyed it immensely and I’m very proud of what’s been achieved there, because we’re so lucky to have this hospital on our doorstep.

“I would like to thank all the people of Exmouth for their help, all the committee, and, in particular, my secretary, Rose Thatcher. She has been an absolute rock.”

Pat Beswick, Daphne Clarke, Joan Matthews, Brian Parker, John Murphy and Andrew Williams also retired from the committee at the meeting, and Mavis thanked them for their support over many years.

David Bassett was elected as the new chairman, with Geoff Bulger elected treasurer and Rose Thatcher re-elected as secretary. Also elected to the committee were Gerry Bassett, Denise Bulger, Bob Bryant, Ann Membery, Tony Siddall and David Smith.

The meeting was told that, in 2015, the group had agreed to requests for hospital funding totalling £62,504.  In the last 10 years, the group has pledged more than £1million for equipment and improvements to the hospital.

Mavis Prideaux (right) retired as chairman of the Exmouth Hospital League of Friends after 20 years. Also pictured is secretary Rose Thatcher.

Source: Exmouth Journal.