THE FRIENDS of Okehampton Hospital are appealing for new members to help it maintain its good work. The group held its annual meeting last week at which it heard a summary of the many items it has donated to the hospital over the last year, including a Resuscitaire machine costing almost £7,000. Over the last year, the group has also replanted the hospital's courtyard garden, transforming it into a restful area that has received compliments from patients and visitors alike. But chairman of the Friends Martin Perry at the annual meeting outlined the need for new members of the group in order to safeguard the future of Okehampton hospital: 'Our best guarantee for the hospital in Okehampton is a rapid and substantial increase in the number of members joining the Friends — either as passive members or even better as active members of the committee,' he said, and asked: 'Surely it must be worth the 20 pence a week we ask as a subscription?' The friends have a number of future events planned for 2007, including a major fundraising project aimed at providing the hospital with a £7,000 blood monitor. This would speed up blood analysis results, and avoid some of these having to be sent to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital for processing. New officers elected for the Friends include Mary Rattenbury as secretary, Dee Young as treasurer, and Robin Young as vice-chairman. John Marvin was voted in as the group's president, while Martin Perry was elected as its chairman. For further information about the Friends, call Martin Perry on 01409 221376.