Carol Lingard
Carol Lingard
Dartmouth People - Carol Lingard
Where did you live before coming to Dartmouth?
Being married to a Naval Officer, now retired, we have moved around during our 43 years of marriage. We first came to Dartmouth in 1977 having returned from Halifax Nova Scotia, Canada, our elder son was born in Dartmouth Nova Scotia. I am a qualified Chartered Physiotherapist and have worked for the NHS since 1964 with a brief spell in the Private Sector.
What brought you to Dartmouth initially?
My husband was appointed to the Staff of BRNC February 1977 and we sold our bungalow near Yelverton and bought Archway Cottage, where we still live. We have let it several times due to different postings and returned in July 1996 after 3 years in Turkey. We needed to get organised for David’s retirement from the RN. I began working as a Physiotherapist at Dartmouth Hospital in August of 1996 and retired as Therapy Manager in October 2006.
How did you become involved with the League of Friends?
Having been helped by the League of Friends in the purchasing of new equipment for the Physio Department I vowed I would join them on my retirement. David, my husband, had been Chairman for 4 years and after handing over the reins he decided he wanted to join the CVS and hence had to give up something as he was, and still is, Chairman of the Dartmouth Museum, both of which are time consuming exercises. I took his place on the Committee when he resigned.
What does your job as Chairman involve?
I have inherited a great Committee from my predecessor, Christine Roberts, who are very supportive. With the uncertain future of Community Hospitals one of my main tasks is to ‘keep my ear to the ground’ and––– work closely with the Modern Matron at the Hospital. Our aim is to raise funds to use for the comfort of the patients in the Hospital and at times in the Community. I see myself going to relevant meetings organised by the PCT.
How is funding achieved?
Most of our money comes from bequests and donations after funerals. But we have several functions each year to raise money for the League. The three main ones are the summer Market, Street collection and a Horse Racing evening. There are also a couple of coffee mornings arranged by members of the Committee.
Do you have any time for other interests?
The old cliché ‘once retired there are not enough hours in the day’ is certainly true! Our two sons live in Devon, the elder is married with 2 little boys 6 and 2 and we spend as much time as we can with them, they love coming to stay on their own for a weekend. The younger is single and a Warden with the National Trust near Kingsbridge.
I am honorary Secretary of the Dartmouth museum, play tennis twice a week, badminton once and line-dance once a week. My 93 year old Mother came to live with us last August from her bungalow in south London, we have a large house and garden a dog and a cat. Both David and myself are busy people but we like it that way. We have no intention of leaving Dartmouth whilst we are still fit and able.
First published September 2009 By the Dart