Bourne voluntary laundry

One of the most useful charitable organisations to operate in Bourne in times past was the voluntary laundry, opened during the middle years of the 20th century to help the old and the infirm do their weekly washing.

Many individuals and organisations in the town contributed time and money to help establish the project including Dr John Galletly, the Rotary Club, Bourne Urban District Council, the Round Table and Bourne United Charities and accommodation was found in a ground floor room in Baldock's Mill at No 21 South Street.

The official opening in the autumn of 1968 was performed by Councillor Ted Kelby, chairman of BUDC, who ceremonially opened the front door, accompanied by the Rev W G Marsden Jones, minister of Bourne Baptist Church, council officials and Mrs J M Hibbitt who had been elected chairman of the organising committee with Mrs J Stubbs, secretary.

The need was obvious for within the first three weeks, the laundry had already washed 44 bed sheets for people unable to cope. "This alone underlines the need for such an organisation", said Mrs Hibbitt, "particularly those people who are unable to do such work through sickness or old age or just cannot manage any more. The laundry also takes in washing for maternity cases which is a particularly valuable service for the community because it relieves the burden on our district nurses and we are also seeking volunteers to bring in the washing from outlying villages."

The premises had been repaired and painted by voluntary workers and the laundry fitted and equipped with a £50 drying machine, much of the work and the cost being met by the Bourne Anglican Young People's Association whose members also offered to help during their holidays while Bourne Ranger Guides also assisted during their time off from school.

Councillor Kelby also paid tribute to those who had helped launch the laundry. "It is a necessary and worthwhile project", he said. "I have taken a great interest in it from the outset and it is extremely pleasurable to see it in operation. We are all very proud of those who have assisted, particularly the ladies and we wish the laundry service a long and happy future."