Bellefield Extension to New London Road VAD Hospital
In August 1918 the Red Cross were offered Bellefield which had been the residence of the late Mr F Chancellors as a Red Cross Hospital by Captain W G Wenley.
Bellefield was taken to be used as an auxiliary to the existing Hospital at New London Road, Chelmsford.
Bellefield was chiefly used fro convalescent cases with the New London Road Hospital used for the more serious.
The addition of Bellefield raised the accommodation from 38 at the old New London to a total of 80 beds.
An adjoining field has a fine new field tent which adds a further 10 beds to the accommodation.
The residents could enjoy the well stocked gardens and an allotment area which was cultivated by the patients.
Within the building there was a full sized snooker table, a piano and a gramophone to provide the entertainment.
Various shelves have ben made by Mr Cook of the VAD to help customise the building.
Financial support of £157 from the employees of Hoffman and an anonymous donation equivalent to the first years rent has enable the hospital top open.
Employees of Hoffmans are additionally proving monthly support to buy cigarettes and other comforts for the patients.
Further gifts included two pigs from Mr R Marriage, Seed potatoes from Mr R H Currie and gramophone records from Mr J Boake.
The nurses have their own sitting room with a balcony overlooking the grounds.
Miss Luckin if dispensing free and has a room fitted for the purpose.
The commandant is Miss Kemble who has been provided with a bedroom on the premises to save her the daily cycle ride from her home at Great Claydons, East Hanningfield.
