Berwick St John Country Fayre raise £31,000 for Stars Appeal
Boost for hospital charity thanks to condensed version of popular event
The Stars Appeal have been presented with a check for over £31,000 thanks to a popular village event.
This year's Berwick St John Country Fayre was still able to go ahead in September albeit in a special one day version called the Berwick Bash.!
Thousands of people attended the event which features the now famous traditional tea tent, the Fayre Inn, exhibits of vintage tractors, vehicles, full size and miniature steam engines, stationary engines and heavy horses.
There were also displays and demonstrations of rural crafts and collections, trailer rides, live music, and fairground rides along with food and trade stalls.
Entry to the event was free but attendees were asked to make a donation. In addition, money was raised from a raffle, profits from the tea and beer tent and the sale of concession to traders.
Four consultants from Salisbury District Hospital who volunteer as Stars Appeal Ambassadors, Dr Susie Lewis - Cardiologist, Dr Richard Harrison – Respiratory and Mrs Karinya Lewis and Mr Roger Humphrey - Eye Surgeons attenended a special presentation evening to recieve the cheque.
They spoke of how the money will enable the charity to continue helping local people in hospital and the NHS Staff who care for them.
Dr Richard Harrison, Respiratory Consultant and Stars Appeal Ambassador said:
"The Berwick Bash was a fabulous event which all of us involved with the Stars Appeal feel hugely privileged to be the beneficiaries of. To have raised this staggering sum of money in just one day is incredible and true testament to the hard work and commitment of everyone who does so much to make these events possible. The money raised will make a life-changing difference to local people in hospital, from newborn babies to the oldest in our community, and support the NHS staff that care for them, by helping us continue funding a wide range of Stars Appeal projects across the hospital. On behalf of the charity and all those who will benefit, we extend our sincere thanks to the Berwick St John Country Fayre Team, and all who support their brilliant events, for their continued support.”
Louise Hall, Secretary of the Berwick St John Country Fayre said:
“We are delighted to announce the incredible amount that was raised and to present this to our partner charity, the Salisbury District Hospital Stars Appeal. It is particularly special to have raised such a significant amount of money as this proves that, even after all the problems surrounding Covid, our community is committed to supporting its local hospital via the Stars Appeal. Our thanks go to all our sponsors, volunteers, supporters and of course the thousands that came along and enjoyed a great day out whilst raising money for this important local cause.”
The Stars Appeal aims to raise over £1m each year to fund projects at Salisbury District Hospital which offer direct, practical support to patients, their loved ones and the hospital’s staff.
The Berwick St John Country Fayre will return next year in its traditional two day event on 17th and 18th September 2022.
More details can be found at www.berwickstjohncountryfayre.co.uk and on the event’s Facebook page.