The Friends of Kelling

The activities of the Friends Of Kelling, 1948-1975.

This is a compilation of films charting the activities of the Friends of Kelling (Hospitals) from 1948 - 1975. Most of the scenes involve official presentations; the unveiling of plaques and several speeches. There are interior and exterior views of the hospitals featured. There are good shots of the extensive grounds and flower gardens at the Kelling hospitals. 1) 1948. The Friends meet the Bishop of Norwich. They pose of the lawn in The Close with the Bishop. 2) “Coronation Playground.” This was opened on September 22nd, 1953 by Sir Edmund Bacon, the Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk. Nurses and children sit on chairs outside listening to speeches given by the dignitaries. There are several shots of the children playing in the playground before interior views of the children’s ward. 3) A summer excursion to Cromer. The children are filmed playing on the beach and in the sea. Cromer Pier is in the background. 4) A trolley telephone is presented by the Friends to the hospital. A patient is in bed, using the telephone. 5) This section shows the amenities provided by the Friends for one ward. Amenities include books, a television, a radio and a snooker table.” 6) The patients present a cheque to the Friends. 7) Patients at the Norwich Isolation Hospital dress dolls in silk costumes to present to the children in Kelling hospital at Christmas. The patients and nurses present the dolls to the camera and pack them in boxes. Santa arrives at the Kelling Children’s hospital on a decorated sleigh. There is a Christmas party for the children. 8) 10th May, 1965. A day room is opened for the use of relatives of seriously ill patients, who may need to stay over night. A plaque is unveiled. There are exterior and interior scenes of the room. 9) A tour round Kelling, 1966. This shows the ground and the gardens of the hospitals. There are also shots of the day room , the chapel and of many of the personnel of the hospital. 10) The Lord Mayor of Norwich, accompanied by the Lady Mayoress visit the hospital and meet the patients. 11) Christmas, 1966. This sequence shows the wards decorated. 12) 10th June, 1967. The sun lounge at Home Place is opened by RE Carter, JP. 13) The rose garden is opened by Lady Bacon and Bert Hazell, MP. This sequence shows many scenes from the rose garden. 14) April 20 1968. Another day room is opened by John MacGregor. 15) 7th March 1969. A day room is opened by Cllr. E.A. Gambling JP, Lord Mayor of Norwich. 16) A reception is held for the Friends by Cllr. Gambling at Norwich Castle. There are interior shots of the Castle Keep. The Lord Mayor and the civic dignitaries are in their civic robes. 17) 17th June 1971. Another day room, the Frederic Clabour room, is opened by Timothy Colman. 18) 2nd June 1973. The Bishop of Norwich, the Rt. Rev. Maurice Wood, DSC, MA, RNR, is present to see the Friends unveil a fountain, given by the Friends to celebrate their silver jubilee. The Bishop opens a new day room on Simpson Wing to mark the occasion. 19) 12th April 1975. The Alan Plume Room and Shower is opened by Jack S. Thomas. The Friends Of Kelling. 20) 1975. The Friends present a special bed to the Mancroft Ward at the West Norwich Hospital.

Keywords

Excursion; Parties; Presentations; Speeches;

Background Information

This film was compiled over many years to record the achievements of the Friends of Kelling. It was shown to local groups to raise money. The early film was taken by W.G. Kemp. During item seven, the filming was taken over by David Cleveland.