Madam,

I know exactly where I was 50 years ago on 1 October 1965. I was at the opening of Bronglais Hospital, listening to a short speech by Cledwyn Hughes.

I was doing then what I continued to do until a few months ago, I was the pastor of Alfred Place Baptist Church. I was also the Free Church Chaplain at the hospital along with Clifford Williams, the vicar of Holy Trinity, who was the Anglican chaplain. In the years that followed, Bronglais loomed large in my life; my parents both died there, two of my three daughters were born there. And what of my own future? I have been with members of my congregation when they were sick or dying, or when a child was born. I have been there daily visiting my wife in recent weeks as she received fine care.

Over the decades I have prayed beside beds in every ward when invited to by patients. I have sought to bring comfort, hope and the good news of the gospel of Christ to the sick. It is a fascinating place, very Welsh and yet totally international.

My experience of Bronglais is just a microcosm of the experience of the most people of the town. We are so thankful that this hospital is so accessible to Aberystwyth people.

Yours etc,

Geoff Thomas, The Manse, Buarth Road, Aberystwyth.

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