Record

CollectionGB 0231 University of Aberdeen, Special Collections
LevelFonds
Ref NoMS 3735
TitleAberdeen Royal Infirmary Linen and Comfort Guild
Date1931 - 1994
Extent0.75 linear metres
Creator NameAberdeen Royal Infirmary Linen and Comfort Guild
Administrative HistoryThe Aberdeen Royal Infirmary Linen Guild charity (later the Linen and Comfort Guild) was established in 1920 to provide free comforts for patients at the Infirmary, and to collect donations and subscriptions to assist the Guild in its objectives. Membership of the Guild consisted of Honorary Members, Ordinary Members and Sewing Members. To carry out the work of the Guild, office bearers were elected at the Annual General Meeting to the posts of President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Convener and a Vice-Convener of the Work Party.

Although the Guild originally served patients at the Royal Infirmary, by 1962, they were also providing items for Glenburn Wing, Woodend Hospital and Morningfield Hospital. There was a major extension of both their services and their geographical coverage in the year 1967/68, when the Guild approved donations to the City Hospital, the Maternity Hospital, Inverurie Hospital, Tor-na-Dee, Glen O'Dee, and Insch & District War Memorial Hospital. The following year, the Guild expanded still further to contribute items to Cornhill and Associated Hospitals.

Production was carried out by a sewing team at the Guild offices and also independently by volunteers. They produced a wide range of garments including nightdresses, bed and theatre socks, knee rugs, cardigans, shoulder wraps and baby pillows.

The Guild had premises at 173a Union Street before moving in November 1961 to offices at 27 Albyn Grove. By 1969, larger premises were required to accommodate the increased workload and the Guild secured a flat at 171 Union Grove. This remained their headquarters until it was sold in 1991, following the decision to dissolve the charity.
Custodial HistoryThe records were in the custody of the last Honorary Treasurer of the Guild and were passed to the University by her husband following her death.
SourceImmediate source of acquisition ACC 003.
DescriptionThe collection largely comprises financial records and includes: annual statements of income and expenditure, 1960 - 1994, annual reports, 1962 - 1990, cash book, 1963 - 1992, register of subscribers, 1931 - 1990, and papers relating to the dissolution of the charity, 1991 - 1993.
AppraisalAn appraisal of the collection on deposit resulted in certain records being destroyed, namely returned cheques, cheque book stubs, petty cash books and a file of general financial correspondence. Further appraisal of the papers relating to the winding up of the charity may be required.
AccrualsNo further accruals expected.
ArrangementMaterial has been arranged into series according to class of record.
Access StatusOpen
Access ConditionsThe records are available subject to the usual conditions of access to Archives and Manuscripts material.
LanguageEnglish
Physical DescriptionNo physical conditions affecting use of collection.
Finding AidsFonds-level description available in Special Libraries and Archives Reading Room.
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