Stratford Hospital remembered with a kowhai | Taranaki News | Local News in Taranaki

The Stratford Hospital Committee celebrated 100 years to the day, the opening of the Stratford Hospital, by planting a memorial tree at the Stratford Health Centre.

Recently, the committee organised a centennial for past nurses, managers, doctors and other staff to reminisce about life at the hospital.

The group celebrated with photographs, a dinner and lunch, cutting a centennial cake and planting a kowhai. Guest speakers included David Walter and Miss Lesley White (Principal Nurse 1981-84).

The cake was cut by Jeane Hopkins and Jean Forbes. Entertainment was provided by a local rock 'n' roll club and the Taranaki Harmony Choir.

Visitors came from across New Zealand and Australia.

The tree was planted by Stratford's Mayor, Brian Jeffares, and Dawn Scott on Wednesday February 21, exactly 100 years since the hospital opened its doors.

Dawn began working at the hospital in 1959 as a junior office girl and worked her way to manager. Dawn was the last on-site manager for the hospital and retired in April 1995.