Things in the library 1st May....

Things all about us...
It's our birthday today....70 years Supporting Knowledge for Healthcare...I have balloons at home, Kate is celebrating virtually and Sarah is in the library with cake and bunting (if you are in the building pop up to see her). We are privileged to work in such a lovely place for lovely people.










Things in the past...
It was decided 70 years ago today that it would be a good idea if the hospital had a medical library, which started off as a shelf in the stenographers office...we still have a few of the original books belonging to this collection (kept for hstorical reasons!). Eventually this needed more space and was boosted by Professor Illingworth's collection which is why the library now bears his name, we have been in our current location since 1994...so another excuse for a party in four years time....when the library was opened by his widow Dr Cynthia Illingworth.

Things pre NHS...
Some things were very different in the old hospital, beds and wards were sponsored annually by benefactors (including the old Cole Brothers (now John Lewis) and well known local Sheffield philantrhopists, these were named and sadly were often in memory of children who had died. Visiting restrictions were slightly different - visiting your child was allowed of course...but only for one hour on a Sunday afternoon after a child had been in hospital for two weeks. There was a 'Linen League' consisting of ladies who sewed sheets and other items needed for the hospital...some modern parallels there I think!

Our current building before it was built

Things old...
Here are some old hospital photos - kindly supplied by the History Group at NGH - clicking on them should enlarge them

Our building with parking underneath

Cafe

Entrance..with carefully placed children

Operating theatre

Things to test you...
Sarah has devised a 1950s quiz for you to try.

Things to attend...
Our Reading Group will be meeting virtually - contact the library if you would like to join in - we will meet at the later time of 18:15 on Wendesday 6th May and will be discussing 'Night Circus'.









Taste of the 1950s...
I have my mother's 1950's Good Houskeeping Cookery Book (she was Casualty Officer (SHO) at the Children's in 1950s working for Professor Illingworth). In the book there is advice that for a formal dinner party "whilst it is perfectly possible for a host and hostess to serve the dinner correctly, for those who feel the need for professional help....there are many agencies supplying servants by the hour or by the evening" . There are two pages of instructions just relating to the linen, glasses and where the food should be placed and served.
There is a whole chapter on invalid cookery..Calf's foot Jelly anyone?
From the section on dieting there are recipes for fattening as well as losing weight., so here is a fattening recipe and colour picture of a Strawberry Cream Flan.