Mr. Albert A. Morby, chairman of Burton Latimer Urban Council, and County Councillor, moved, when married, from Wellingborough in 1946, to one of a row of cottages knocked down to make way for the health centre project.

And as one of the main guests yesterday he said he was witnessing a “truly red letter day” for his adopted town.

Its establishment marked the end of a five year struggle to obtain the centre.  “I think there was nothing more greatly needed in Burton Latimer.”

The Urban Council had pressed for a health centre since 1965 and were without success in their claim that such amenity was necessary.

Yet when Mr. G. J. Roberts, chairman of the County Health Committee and his fellow committee members took up the cause in 1966, “the tide had turned in our favour,” said Mr. Morby.

Report

A report was prepared by the County Medical Officer of Health and despite a year lost when the Government imposed capital expenditure restriction the go-ahead for the project was given late last year, he added.

“Now under one roof we have all the necessary services and ideal conditions with which we can happily relieve pressure on hospitals.”

Proposing a vote of thanks, Chairman of the Northamptonshire County Council, Alderman Mrs. Dora Oxenham paid tribute to the Urban Council for making the site available and to the general practitioners of the area for their co-operation.

Other guests included Dr. W. J. McQuillan, the county medical officer of health, Mr. T. R. Easton clerk to the Northamptonshire Health Executive Council and Mr. R. W. Gash, deputy clerk to the County Council.

The new centre now provides the main surgeries of the group practice although the branch surgery at Finedon remains.

Services covered by the centre include child welfare and clinics, health education and ante-natal relaxation classes for expectant mothers.

At a later date, says Dr. McQuillan, family planning clinics, speech therapy, hearing sessions and possibly chiropody, will be added.