Happy 70th birthday NHS from Cromer in north Norfolk

David Bale

Published: 1:51 AM July 5, 2018 Updated: 9:21 AM October 11, 2020

Cromer celebrates 70 years of the NHS. Pictured here are health campaigners, staff and local councillors. Photograph: Paul Blencowe.

Health staff and campaigners turned out in Cromer on Thursday to celebrate the 70th birthday of the National Health Service.

NHS 70th birthday in Cromer. David Pritchard signs the birthday card with Elaine Addison on left. Pictures: David Bale - Credit: Archant

Town mayor David Pritchard unveiled the NHS celebration flag in the churchyard in the town centre and delivered a rousing speech on the greatness of the NHS. Commenting on the principles of the service he said: 'It was based on the service you need rather than your ability to pay.'

And he signed the NHS birthday card which was then taken to North Walsham Market Place to acquire more signatures.

Present were NHS campaigners and members of the North Norfolk Labour Party, who joined councillors from Cromer Town Council.

Also present were representatives of Cromer Hospital, East of England Ambulance Service, Cromer First Responders, Norfolk and Suffolk Foundation Trust, and North Norfolk CCG led by its chairman.

David Pritchard delivers a speech at an NHS70 event in Cromer. Photograph: Martyn Sloman.

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Cromer town councillor David Russell said: 'It was a great turn-out to celebrate this momentous occasion. Something of which the town council should be proud.'

Mr Russell then presented the card to staff at Cromer Hospital.