11/11 and its Connection to the Edward Hain Centre
On November 9th, the St. Ives building that most locals know simply as the Edward Hain opened its doors again. Seven and a half years after the former hospital’s wards closed, and almost three years after it was shut for good, this was a triumph many thought would never happen. What a day!
Two days later, November 11th, is another meaningful date: Armistice Day, 11/11/1918, which signaled the end of WWI. Known in England as Remembrance Day or ‘Poppy day,’ we still wear poppies to commemorate and honour our fallen soldiers. (The smiling NHS technician in the photo above, snapped on our opening day, proves the point!) Many will remember the Armistice centennial in 2018 when, as part of film director Danny Boyle‘s country-wide Pages of the Sea event, Edward ‘Teddy’ Hain’s image was drawn in the sand of Porthmeor Beach. But how many know that it was also the date in 1915 that Teddy lost his life at Gallipoli?
Turning Tragedy into a Gift
These two important dates being just two days apart was not planned. Yet the Edward Hain re-opening on the eve of the anniversary of Teddy’s death is a poignant reminder of the centre’s origin: the Hain family tragedy that led to his parents founding a hospital in his name. One, split-second event not only changed the future of a family, but of a whole town. Had Teddy not died, there would have been no Edward Hain Hospital, and no Edward Hain Centre now.
Who in St. Ives would have thought, 108 years ago, that so much good could possibly come of Teddy’s loss? Could anyone then have imagined then that in 108 years’ time a building would still stand in his name? And that it would be in the process of taking on a new lease of life?
Honouring a Legacy
History and fate unfold in mysterious ways. As I write this on 11/11 2023, I’m still buzzing with excitement from the first official step the Edward Hain Centre took on Thursday. But I’m also humbled by the coincidence of its timing. So today I’ve been burning a candle to honour Teddy’s life and sad loss, grateful for the legacy he and his parents left.
Last week, in St. Ives, a different kind of flame was re-ignited, continuing their legacy. It represents the transformation of tragedy into a symbol of joy and hope. Long may it do so. Long live the Edward Hain!
