A man who played a crucial role in saving Keswick’s Mary Hewetson Community Hospital from closure has stood down as a trustee on its Friends group.
Mike Bulman has given a remarkable 29 years of service as a trustee of the Friends of Mary Hewetson Hospital and was treasurer for 27 of those years.
He became treasurer after retiring as the manager of Barclay’s Bank in Keswick, a position he had held for 10 years.
“I took on the role to give service to the community,” said Mr Bulman, who is well-known locally for his voluntary work. “I was capable and I enjoyed doing it.”
Mr Bulman became the mouthpiece for the Friends when the hospital was under threat of closure in 2007. A public meeting was organised at the Skiddaw Hotel but such was the strength of feeling against the proposed closure that an additional two meetings were held at the Queen’s Hall.
“I stated the case for the retention of services at the hospital which resulted in us getting four extra beds that are all full,’’ said Mr Bulman. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on the committee but time and tide waits for no man so I have decided at the age of 85 to give it up.”
Dorothy Savage, the outgoing chair of the charity, which gains its income from donations, legacies and fundraising events and provides amenities for patients and staff of the hospital, presented Mr Bulman with vouchers at the Friends’ annual general meeting.
During the meeting he was warmly thanked for everything he has done for the hospital and the community.
Mr Bulman’s role as treasurer is to be taken on by Dr Eugene Lambert, who lives at Applethwaite.
Paying tribute to Mr Bulman, trustee Dr Jim Cox said: “Since his retirement as a local bank manager 30 years ago, Mike Bulman has modestly committed himself to voluntary service in the local community.
“At one stage he was honorary treasurer of 13 different organisations at the same time. Without his quiet but effective drive and commitment the Mary Hewetson Hospital could have been closed down, like the hospitals in Maryport, Wigton and Alston.
“Typically, he wanted his retirement as a trustee to be low-key, so it was, but his wisdom and experience will be missed.”
