In the space of a few days, a petition with about 30,000 signatures (note 1) was collected, calling for the hospital to remain in the city. This can be viewed at South Norfolk District Council who have it locked away in their offices.
Note 1: As confirmed by Mike Tomlinson, Chair of Norwich Community Health Council and member of South Norfolk Council Planning Committee.
In August (the 16th) a party of people visited Shottesham Church to lay some roses on the grave of Benjamin Gooch the founder of both Shottesham (circa 1745) and the Norfolk & Norwich (1771) hospitals. It was thought that he must be turning in his grave at the thought of the closure of his hospital.
1997
Small demonstration on the site at Colney to mark the Health Minister's (Stephen Dorrell) election campaign trip to Norwich. "I am not going to let a small number of people put me off building a hospital at Colney".
Thursday 3 July - Protest led by Town Crier outside Department of Health offices in Whitehall - followed by lobby of Charles Clarke MP (Norwich South). Notes of meeting
Sunday 3 August - Community picnic at Colney Hospital site - 80 protestors denied access to the site held a picnic on the roadside verge.
1998
Friday 16th January 1998 - Floral Tribute. Floral tributes attached to railings outside the hospital as an expression of their feelings. Torn down that night by the hospital authorities and dumped illegally on Mousehold Heath.
