Lister Wing Facilities
The New Lister Wing was built to provide women’s accommodation, taking the place of a wooden building (Lister Pavilion). To widen the scope of treatment the Council decided that a more permanent building was needed.
The new wing provided 42 beds in 26 rooms, with a lounge and supporting facilities.
Donation of Funds
The building was possible due to a voluntary donation of £5,000 received from Insurance Society of Post Office Employees. Built at a cost of £17,000, the wing was opened by Sir Walter Womersley, deputising for the Right Hon. Major Tyron, the Postmaster-General. The Society made a further donation but on completion, funds were still needed to recover the cost of the project.
Opening Ceremony
On the 15 October 1937, the Bishop of Dover dedicated the new building and Sir Walter said ‘There is too much talk today of depending on the State alone and no depending upon yourselves. Because of the devoted service of many men and women in the past, you have this building and you have a splendid record performed on behalf of humanity.’
The Architecture
The architects were Sir John Burnet, Tait and Lorne. The building was considered quite significant architecturally and featured in a specialist journal on 24 June 1938. The building was later listed along with the De La Warr Pavilion at Bexhill-on-Sea.
A New Ward Named
The Pavilion was known as Lister Wing until an extension was added in 1955. The new wards were named Upper and Lower JR Williams Wards. Later in 1961, the ground floor of Lister Wing was renamed O’Shea Ward after Mr William O’Shea.
Benenden Heritage Project - Remembering the Past - Securing the Future 