The Matron, Miss C. Parfitt, doctors, sisters, nurses and other members of staff spared no effort to create a lively and cheerful atmosphere for the patients, and the wards were gaily festooned with coloured streamers, balloons and other decorations. Each ward had its own Christmas tree and its own scheme of decoration, which showed much ingenuity. One ward was decorated to represent a spaceship hurtling in a starry orbit. The children’s wing offered the biggest challenge. At the far end of the corridor an archway of holly and artificial roses opened onto a realistic cottage garden with a deep green lawn surrounded by flowers and creepers. On the lawn, in Victorian dress, stood ‘Contrary Mary’ carrying a bunch of flowers and a watering can. Also in one of the wards stood an imposing pink elephant made from rolls of paper.

Celebrations started at the Infirmary on Monday, when a combined tea party was held in the recreation room by two men’s wards, a women’s ward, the outpatients department and theatre staff. In the evening cadets of the St. John’s Ambulance Brigade, conducted by Mrs. L Swallow, sang carols in the wards. A carol singing tour of the wards was also made by the junior choir of the Micklegate Methodist Church. The festivities are to be continued on New Year’s Day and staff parties and a joint staff dance are to be held.