Our first day of opening will be on Wednesday 29th March, then each week we are open Wednesdays to Saturdays from 10am-3.30pm through until the end of October, (last entry 3pm). Entry fees are the same as last year see our website for more information: https://valiantsoldier.org.uk
Our archivists have worked hard setting up this year’s exhibition looking at the 75 years since the NHS was launched with events relevant to our locality. Ashburton and Buckfastleigh Cottage Hospital was founded with public subscriptions in 1875 and at that time patients had to pay for their care.
In 1920 the hospital continued to flourish on donations, particularly from The Buckfastleigh Co-operative Society. There was a legacy of £100 and gifts of ‘vegetables, rabbits, eggs, papers and magazines’. The Hamlyn family donated £1,000 to pay for a new wing which included an up-to-date operating theatre. This was at a time when some other Devon cottage hospitals were struggling to stay open.
When the NHS was founded in 1948 it took over the running of all the cottage hospitals. Ashburton and Buckfastleigh Cottage Hospital survived for many years helped by fundraising, but in 2016 South Devon and Torbay Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), announced it planned to close it. There was strong opposition but to no avail, it closed as a hospital with the loss of its 16 beds. The site is now a Health and Wellbeing Centre supplying physiotherapy services and housing District Nurse services.
There have been some exciting developments at the Valiant Soldier. The garden finally has planning permission from DNP and we will be able to start creating a small orchard and herb garden in the delightful space next to the River Mardle.
We have formed a History Society’s and the first talk will be held on Thursday 20th April, 7pm at the Valiant Soldier. Sandra Coleman, our renowned local historian will share her extensive knowledge of Buckfastleigh and of the local area. If this is something that interests you please drop in, the talk is free of charge, although donations are welcome. Further meetings will be arranged throughout the year.
We are looking for volunteers to manage the front desk or act as stewards to show visitors around the museum. If you’re interested in helping, please call in to discuss further or email: info@valiantsoldier.org.uk or tel: 01364 644522 and leave a message on our answer machine. We look forward to hearing from you.