(below) The Dashwood Medical Centre was constructed in 1981 by the concerted efforts of various area service groups and individuals.
“In March, 1980 Dashwood found itself a community without a doctor. This was very upsetting. Dashwood’s efforts to find a doctor were directed by the Dashwood and Area Medical Committee, an organization made up of representatives of the Dashwood Men’s Club; Dashwood Senior Citizens, Dashwood Women’s Institute, and the village’s volunteer fire department.
Members were, chairman Bob Hoffman, Pat Sullivan, Harry Hayter and Mervyn Tieman and at a public meeting the following persons were added, Jim Becker, representing the firemen, Ken Rader, the village trustees, Anthony Martene, the Men’s Club, Mrs. Eben Weigand, the Women’s Institute and Mrs. Ross Love, Senior Citizens.
In October, a public meeting was held with Dr. Copeman of the Ministry of Health and those in attendance gave approval to purchase a suitable site for the building of a Medical Centre for Dashwood and area. The committee appointed the following persons to organize and plan this project as soon as the proper proceedings had been arranged with the Ministry of Health and a meeting with Dr. Copeman.
Chairman, Robert Hoffman, publicity Mrs. Dave Rader and Mrs. Ron Merner, doctor relations, Mervyn Tieman and Anthony Martene; building, Jim Becker and Ken Rader; finance, Pat Sullivan and Harry Hayter; legal research, Ken Rader; treasurer, Mrs. Gordon Kraft and secretary, Mrs. Ross Love. Dr. Copeman declared Dashwood area under-serviced. This made it eligible for help from his office in finding a doctor but no financial assistance. The group decided to go ahead with the clinic. A goal of $65,000 was set and a fund raising drive set for February 1981.
The village firemen kicked off the campaign with an $8,000 donation. Other organizations donated and a door to door canvass was made in the village and nearby communities of Crediton, Mount Carmel and Shipka. The campaign zoomed past its goal and collected more than $68,000. A large lot with ample room for parking was bought from Milton Keller of Exeter. [Ed. note: The Medical Centre was constructed on the former site of the home and accompanying garden of Peter and Lucinda McIsaac.]