Mexborough & Swinton Times July 21st, 1939
Hospital Demonstration – Needed more than Ever
The word of hymn: My task, were used as a text by Mr. Ben Geffin, the oldest member of the Fullerton hospital board of management when he made an appeal on behalf of the institution at the annual hospital demonstration on the Denaby united football ground on Sunday.
Mr. Geffin said the countries of the world today were amassing wealth and armaments and were preparing to destroy life and throw their people at each other throats. What had that to do with the hospitals, he asked. It had a lot to do with them, because if there was a war all the soldiers and civilians who where involved will not be killed: some will be lamed and some would suffer for years afterwards and eventually they might become dependant upon such a fine little institution as there own Fullerton hospital.
They had to make appeals such as hospital demonstrations to encourage people to carry on with the good work, but if the colossal sums used to destroy man where used to help the hospitals what a great change there would be.
That is your task:, Mr. Geffin declared.: to see that the hospital is adequately maintained. It is a shame and disgrace that we should have to depend upon charity, but that will not always be.
Coun. H. Gomersall another member of the board of management, expressed his regret that there were not more adults present to hear the annual report of what was happening in there own hospital.
It was unfortunate he said that the people should forgo the opportunity of hearing the report because it this meant turning out on one Sunday in the year. The money making side of the demonstration was not as important as the moral side. It gave the people a chance to show their appreciation of what was being done for them every day year in and year out.
To the miners it was a home from home; they did not like going in so much, but they took a lot of removing when they did happen to enter the doors: its like a convalescent home for them:, he added.
Replying to critics who have suggested that the demonstration should drop in future years Mr. Gomersall said that now, more than ever was there need for the hospital demonstration. The anual parade would go on and like the Conisbrough demonstration it would improve year by year.