CHIRK Hospital Circle of Friends members gathered to remember three of the group’s founding members at the hospital at the weekend.

Current members attended the ceremony on Saturday in memory of Sybil Jones, Kit Jones and Janice Sides, as well as Councillor Hilary Spragg – a loyal friend of the group.

Their dedication and hard work has been recognised by the Friends group with a newly refurbished memorial garden, complete with three arbours.

An abstract statue has also been placed in memory of the late Cllr Spragg.

The ceremony was attended by the families of the four, together with Gill Harris, executive director of nursing and midwifery, and other representatives from Betsi Cadwallader Health Board.

It was also attended by Chirk Hospital matron Karen Gregory and staff who were welcomed by Jackie Allen, Chirk Hospital Circle of Friends chairman.

Jackie thanked everyone who had helped with the refurbishment of the hospital grounds and who had made the event possible, including; RJ Trees Services, Brian Hickman, Dave from Watkins Gardens, Brian and Nigel Wood.

She also thanked regular hospital gardeners Chris, Mathew and Tom who work several days a week at the hospital.

Jackie went on to thank fellow members of the circle Barbara Humphreys and Dot Griffiths, and Gareth Baines for all their help and support, as well as Arthur Humphreys for all his hard work.

Those in attendance were asked to remember all friends past and present who have supported and worked for the benefit of the hospital over the years.

The memorial garden and refurbishment of the grounds is also dedicated to the marking of the 100th anniversary of a hospital standing on its present site.

The first hospital was built in 1921 with the help of regular payments being made from the wages of local miners.

Jackie called upon Andrew Conde, son of Sybil, to unveil the special plaque which had been erected to mark the occasion, and which he carried out with the assistance of the daughters of Janice and Kit, before giving a speech of thanks.

Everyone was then invited to walk around the newly refurbished gardens to view the three arbours and statue before proceeding to Chirk Parish Hall for light refreshments.