Some while ago Malcolm Holland, Chipping Norton Royal British Legion (CN RBL) committee member and Standard Bearer, was in the outpatient waiting room of the Chipping Norton War Memorial Community Hospital when he noticed that the department did not have a clock.  He suggested to his fellow members that the Legion donate a clock to the hospital as a “thank you” to the hospital staff for the service they provide to the community of Chipping Norton.  His fellow members supported this and a clock was subsequently commissioned from the Old Map and Clock Company in Penzance, Cornwall.

The clock, which is a 16 inch diameter station clock, with the Legion’s badge and the words “donated by the Chipping Norton Branch of the Royal British Legion” inscribed on the face, was presented to Sandra Allen, Unit Manager of the hospital, and Jane Gridley, Hospital Site Administrator, by Trevor Hodkinson, from the CN RBL, on behalf of the Branch President.  Cllr Martin Jarrett, Mayor of Chipping Norton, and members of the Chipping Norton Royal British Legion, including Alec Shepherd, Branch Chairman, and Dr Bruce Parker, who knew the old hospital well, also attended the presentation.

Jane Gridley said: ‘The Outpatient team are absolutely delighted with the new clock.  We are very grateful to the Chipping Norton Royal British Legion for their very kind donation ’.

Mike Howes, CN RBL member, spoke about how the recent sale of the CN RBL club building had made the donation possible.  He explained that the CN RBL members hoped to use interest gained on the funds from the sale to give back to the community of Chipping Norton in future projects.  Mike said ‘Giving back is what the Legion is all about’.

Jane Gridley, Site Administrator for the hospital, receives the clock from RBL Member, Trevor Hodkinson