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This water colour by Rex Trayhorne of Romsey shows the chapel in 1985 when it was attached to wards in the hospital.
Those buildings have now been demolished resulting in the entrance to
the chapel now being one floor up. This means that there will be a need
to install a lift.
The leaded windows have diamond shaped glass, our showcase Fred Woolley Memorial Window was erected in the early 1950's replacing a wall damaged during WWII. The fine stained glass window by G.E.R. Smith has been much admired. The window portrays Florence Nightingale and a nurse in service at that time at the RSH. Gerald Edward Roberts Smith was born in Dorset and trained at Chester Arts School. In 1906 he joined the studio of A.K.Nicholson and succeeded him on his death in 1937. There are several fine example's of the studio's work in many churches including the east window at Manchester Cathedral. Many churches received bomb damage to their windows during WWII and G.E.R Smith was very occupied in the 1950's/early 60's restoring or installing new stained glass windows.
With the assistance of Barry Blake [Administration Officer], our curator Martyn Basford is beginning to trace various scrapbooks, memorabilia and examples of medical appliances used in earlier times. Our aim is to build a heritage centre showing how social and health care developed from Victorian times to the modern NHS facilities of today. if you have any letters, cuttings or examples of medical or surgical appliances which would contribute to this archive, we would be pleased to hear from you.
We welcome new members including from not for profit organisations, business members and those showing commitment to the future projects known as Cornerstone Members.
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Sally Greenwood chair introduces the charity
The Friends of RSH Hospital Chapel was set up in 2009. After a public consultation on the future of the chapel held by the NHS Southampton City Trust, the majority of contributors wanted the building to be used as a venue and meeting place for the local community.
We set up the group of volunteers as a company limited by guarantee and also as a registered charity.
The Chapel is grade II listed and is [from 1st April 2013] in the ownership of NHS Property Services Ltd. The Friends will work closely with the owners to safeguard the future of the chapel.
The charity also works closely with the League of Friends of RSH Hospital
We have with the support of the Trust management to face a lengthy and expensive refurbishment to meet the requirements as a Grade II Listed Building, to replace utility and safety equipment and finally with access for all as our mantra of becoming a venue for the community will need the installation of a lift and facilities such as a kitchen and new flooring. The latter stage will be by fundraising by the charity.
The Board of management has the support of Advisers with a wide range of skills and we work closely with the Southampton council heritage team led by Kevin White.
The directors/ trustees are from an extensive range of work skills including education, health and safety, charity administration, project management, NHS and public service senior management and conservation.
Company Secretary John Avery
Registered Office
2 Beech Court
Beech Avenue
Southampton SO18 4TS
[ 023 8063 8650]
The charity is registered
for Gift Aid with HMRC
© Friends of RSH Hospital Chapel 2011/12/13
Site updated 22nd May November 2013
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Sally Greenwood
At the ceremony in May 2011 when we invited local Freemasons to re-enact the hospital foundation stone laying ceremony, Kay Harris of the League of Friends turned up in stylish Victorian dress. 
