Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Friends’ fair raises a record total to help boost patient care
A forecast of wind and rain did not deter visitors to the summer fair at Kent and Canterbury Hospital as record takings were delivered on Saturday.
Organised by the League of Friends, the popular event made a profit of £11,000, which will be spent on facilities and equipment.
Numerous stands manned by hospital departments were supported by others run by city and village groups.
There were performances by Wantsum Morris Men and entertainment included a Punch and Judy show.
Children also had a chance to sit on a powerful motorbike used by the emergency blood transport service.
The fair was opened by Lord Mayor of Canterbury Cllr George Metcalfe, while Canterbury Rotary Club fired up a barbecue and Canterbury Inner Wheel provided a steady supply of food and drink.
The grand draw offered 33 prizes, including £1,000, which was won by one lucky punter from Upstreet.
League of Friends chairman Viv Pritchard said: “I am delighted with the success of the fair. The blustery weather was challenging but that did not dampen the spirits of the stallholders and the visitors.
“We had a splendid day and the sun did appear later on. The important thing is that we managed to raise a lot of money.
“All the profits will go towards helping to improve patient care. Our thanks go to all the volunteers and stallholders, and to all the organisations who donated prizes for the draw.”