GALLERY: Fete fun, and disappointment, for Friends of Bognor Memorial Hospital

The takings at the annual fete of the Friends of the town's war memorial hospital were almost 30 per cent down on last year.

The total from the community event, which took place on August 2, was still a healthy 4,500 or so for a four-hour long event.

But the plunge from the 6,900 proceeds from the previous year left the Friends puzzled after the fete's opening 90 minutes was packed by visitors enjoying some sunshine after a wet morning.

Friends' fundraising coordinator Anita Sturdey said: "We can only guess that this drop is due to the general financial situation for everyone as we did not have as many prizes and donations from local businesses as we normally do.

"People are always so generous and give as much as they can but, when times are hard, there just isn't as much to give.

"Although we did not make as much money as we have in previous years, we are still happy with the result. I would like to thank all the people and businesses who donated items and to all the fabulous staff and volunteers who gave up their time to make the day possible."

The Friends needed the money from the fete as much as ever. The group has recently spent 157,000 on helping to create an expanded kidney dialysis unit at the hospital to enable more patients to benefit from the life-saving treatment closer to their homes.

A range of attractions provided plenty of enjoyment ft the fete for those who went along to the hospital's Shripney Road grounds. All the staff and volunteers worked hard to get the customers to part with their cash at the range of stalls. The cream teas and barbecue were kept busy all afternoon.

Musical entertainment was provided by the band, Simply Shadows, who played all afternoon and were thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. Erik Jack did a wonderful job of guiding the proceedings on the microphone.

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