Amended from the Paignton Western Guardian 28 December 1916

The patients at the American Women’s War Hospital at Oldway celebrated Christmas in a most cheerful manner. Thanks to the indefatigable energy of the matron and all the Sisters and probationers, assisted by many of the patients, the wards were most tastefully decorated, generous donors having provided an ample supply of beautiful holly, besides the usual festoons, and bunting. Mr Edyvean kindly lent for the occasion a supply of all the Allied flags, which added considerably to the general effect. Many kind gifts were made to the patients. Messrs. Cadbury, of Birmingham, again forwarded a handsome box of chocolates for each patient, while the proprietors of the “Daily Telegraph” and “Daily News” provided half-a- pound of excellent plum pudding for each man. The Australian branch of the British Red Cross Society, on addition to providing a large supply of useful comforts for the Australians in hospital, forwarded a delightful Christmas box for each of the contingent, containing tobacco, cigarettes, box of sweets, writing pad etc. The Hospital Committee again generously provided for each patient a big stocking filled with unnumerable luxuries of every imaginable kind. As heretofore the committee supplied bountiful fare of roast beef, plum pudding and mince pies on Christmas Day, in addition to chocolates, pipes, tobacco, cigarettes etc. On Christmas Eve a short concert was given to those wards possessing a piano by Mr. Jupp’s trio. On Monday there was a Christmas tree and sing-song in the lounge after tea, while on Boxing Day afternoon a concert was given in the Recreation Room by the Torquay Dramatic Club. On Tuesday Mrs. Fursey organised a concert in the Recreation room. Thanks are due to all those mentioned, also Mrs. Gunning, Mrs. Fursey and other ladies for providing extra cakes and jam, to add to the tea in the various wards. Altogether, the festive season at Oldway was celebrated in a thoroughly enjoyable manner