A FESTIVAL informing people of the health care services across the Forest was a success at the weekend.

Forest Health Forum Chair, Albert Weager welcomed Dame Janet Trotter, Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire, who opened the Forest of Dean Health and Care Festival at Naas Lane Community Centre, in Lydney.

Among the wide range of contributors to the health and care systems, were the Friends of Lydney Hospital, Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service (GDASS) and representatives from Alzheimer’s Society.

Dame Janet, who has made a significant contribution to both the development of healthcare and education in the county, spoke warmly about the uniqueness of the Forest and of her long association with the Forum since its early years.

She recalled how health professionals were summoned, in some trepidation, to be questioned on matters important to the Forest community. The tradition continues.

Forest MP Mark Harper spent time speaking to all the contributors.