THE Stratton Hospital Fete is a long-established key event uniting the community in support of the Stratton Hospital League of Friends.

Patients are involved in creating floral displays; hampers created by the staff are entered as raffle prizes in which everyone can participate, making them feel valued and recognised. Local businesses make generous donations.

The organisers try to introduce something new/different each year. Something for everyone: patients, staff and community.

On Saturday, June 20, the community enjoyed a lovely afternoon and raised money for a vital community service. The stalls, set up by the hospital staff, many other volunteers, including the Stratton Young Farmers, and the League of Friends of Stratton Hospital delighted many people of all ages. Raffle; Tombola; an MIU stall with patient information regarding four useful smart phone Apps: NHS App; NHS quicker App; HANDY App and Healthier together App. Information was also displayed on simple self-guidance for patients to try before attending MIU with their health concern.

For the children a gooey lucky dip with plastic body parts contained and a guess how many sweets in the jar (the sweets were jelly eye balls); guessing the weight of a fire training dummy; bric-a-brac; plant stores and fresh flowers; hampers; cream cakes; teas; sausage sizzle; and ice cream.

There was also lovely music performed by Mark Rosser.

Peter Hillenbrand, trustee, League of Friends of Stratton Hospital, said: “Its success is due to the dedication of a small group of trustees and nurses and the invaluable support of volunteers. The aim is to unite the community. It shows the importance of community support in raising funds for patient care and improvements to facilities in the hospital and community.

“Many thanks and congratulations to the hospital staff and other volunteers: they raised £2,409.75, for the League of Friends of Stratton Hospital, breaking last year’s record.”