The patients and staff of Linfoot and Wenrisc Wards at Witney Community Hospital were delighted to welcome five Aviators from 10 Squadron based at RAF Brize Norton last week, to commemorate the 81st anniversary of D-Day on Friday 6th June.
 

The event, co-organised by hospital volunteer and Voyager Force Cabin Crew Member, Katie Hutchinson, and Linfoot Ward Clerk, Tim Farr, was an opportunity to remember the sacrifice of those of who served at the D-Day landings, and to give thanks for the service of the NHS.
 
Our five wonderful volunteers decorated the hospital ward Day Rooms in brilliantly British fashion, before helping colleagues to serve the patients their lunch, spending time getting to know them and their experiences of Witney Community Hospital. They also brought a gift of jigsaw puzzles for the patients, and cakes for the staff which were very well received. One participant commented “It was so lovely to see the ladies in their uniform, they looked so smart, and we are grateful for their time and their service.” 

 
After lunch, the wards were fortunate to be joined by local musician and guitarist-extraordinaire Dave Noble, kindly funded by Oxford Health Charity supported by Oxford Health Arts Partnership and Orchestra of St John's. Dave treated Wenrisc Ward patients to a group concert and singalong, before visiting individual patients on Linfoot Ward and singing their chosen songs. One patient selected ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’ and commented that Dave’s music was 'beautiful' and the experience 'incredibly special' for her.

 
"On behalf of all the hospital staff, we wish to express our gratitude to Katie, her Squadron colleagues Danielle, Abigail, Nickki and Clare, and to Dave – the event was a fantastic celebration and truly lifted the spirits of all involved – thank you!"