1940s party to celebrate 60 years of the NHS

Tea was served 1940s style at Ipswich Hospital as members of the public joined staff to celebrate 60 years of the NHS.

The hospital invited the Suffolk community to the Courtyard Restaurant for a tea party with a 40s theme.

There were jam sandwiches, Spam, egg custards and 1940s recipe cakes at the street party style event.

Invites were sent to people who are sharing their 60th year with the NHS and more than 50 people attended the party, on July 10, 2008.

Old NHS uniforms, photographs and memorabilia were on show and the hospital’s matrons attended to talk about the NHS of today. There was 1940s music to accompany the tea.

Hospital Chairman Mike Brookes said: “The tea party is a way of celebrating with our community the 60th anniversary of the NHS.”

The hospital has held a series of events to mark NHS 60, including a Royal Opening of the Garrett Anderson treatment centre, a party for its volunteers and an art project themed ‘Pride’.