Hospital memorial stone will be saved

A stone in memory of Thetford men who died in World War One is to be saved from the walls of the town's cottage hospital before the building is demolished.

A stone in memory of Thetford men who died in World War One is to be saved from the walls of the town's cottage hospital before the building is demolished.

NHS Norfolk, Breckland Council and Thetford Town Council have joined forces to ensure this important piece of history, embedded in the walls of the hospital, is preserved and saved for future generations.

Graham Copsey, assistant director LIFT and estates commissioning for NHS Norfolk, said: “We could not allow this stone to be lost, as there is huge sentimental and historic value attached to it. I am pleased to say that we have secured the stone's future and its place at the centre of Thetford's heritage.”

The stone commemorates the installation of x-ray equipment as a result of public fund-raising, which was dedicated to the memory of the men of Thetford who gave their lives “for King and country in the Great War 1914 - 1918”.

Thetford Town Council will store the stone until the community has been consulted on where they would like to see the stone housed permanently.

Thetford town councillor Marion Chapman-Allen said: “We did all we could to rescue the memorial and now, I'm glad to say, we can all look forward to the stone being erected in its new home in the not too distant future.”

The hospital finally closed its doors last year when the Healthy Living Centre was opened at Croxton Road.