These fantastic photos were submitted by Nev and his mum Margaret (Margot) Alston. Margot was a nurse at the hospital in the 1950s. 

The following is a short paragraph from Margot about of her hospital memories.

"I was first in occupational therapy in the main building, but because I was under the age of 21 I could not work on the wards. I used to have to take the patients back to their wards, and lock each door as I went through. 

"There was a railway line that used to run right into the boiler house (that is where I used to put my bicycle whilst in the main building). The entrance was then at the back and only altered to the front in later years, but I cannot remember when.

"I remember patients being given ECT (electric shock) treatment.

We used to go to dances held for the patients. That’s where I learned to dance. There were no bands, just a record player!

"When I went over to 'Fairfield' (the hutted area), Sister Redfern was in charge. She used to send me over to the main building to collect patients' notes. Also Sister Robinson was there."

All these  photos of Margaret Alston, (nee Shiel ) were taken in June 1951.

The pictures were taken in the hutted area or nurses home.

Margot with patient, Greta Gazely
Margot with patient Pam Huckle Who she met through the Letchworth St John.
Smiling in the sunshine July 1951
Margot with a German Orderly
A female patient taking in the fresh air while Margaret spends some time with her.
Margot with Sally, one of the doctors' dog.

Margot with other patients: