Description | Plans for the Bakewell & District Memorial Cottage Hospital were first proposed in 1891 by the late Archdeacon Balston. The idea was revived in 1907 when a Comittee was formed for the purpose of organising a systematic annual collections in aid of the Hospitals to which Bakewell patients were sent and in aid of the Nurse Fund. In November 1918 a public meeting was held at Bakewell Town Hall at which it was resolved to take steps to provide a Cottage Hospital for Bakewell and District as a memorial of the Great War. It was agreed that at least £10,000 would be required for the purpose. By a public meeting held on19 November 1919, the promised contributions fell so far short of the estimated cost that a small Executive Committee replaced the existing committee, with Rev E Spink, Vicar of Bakewell as Chairman. The Demobelisation Committee then judged the project suitable for a £4000 grant. An eventual sum of £5000 was invested in Government Securities in 1919. A site formerly occupied by a Dr. Fentem adjoining Butts Road was chosen. On 7 August 1920 the Foundation Stones were laid by the Duke of Devonshire and Mr. N J Hughes-Hallett, Deputy Provincial Grand Master of Derbyshire. At a meeting held on 19 November 1921, Messrs William Deacons Bank Ltd were appointed Trustees. The first AGM was held on 28 March 1922. |