Berwick St John Country Fayre has raised the largest amount of money in its 30 year history.
The organisers announced the total raised and presented the funds at a special presentation event which took place at the packed-out Berwick St John Village Hall on Sunday, November 20th. They revealed that a total of £63,117.18 had been raised for the Salisbury District Hospital Stars Appeal.
The two-day event, which took place in September featured rural crafts, tractors, full size and miniature steam engines, classic cars, horses, the famous beer and tea tents, along with many other attractions and was attended by tens of thousands.
Berwick St John Country Fayre co-chair Richard Pocock says: ‘Words can’t describe the feeling of what has been achieved. It is mind blowing.’
Guest speakers at the presentation event included 12-year-old Florence Burgess, who was treated at Salisbury Hospital after being diagnosed with a rare form of leukaemia. She shared how the Stars Appeal made a difference to both her and her family during her long stays in hospital.
Dr Ridley, a paediatric consultant who works on the Children’s Ward at Salisbury District Hospital and is a Stars Appeal ambassador said: ‘Every day, I see how the work of the Stars Appeal makes a huge difference to our patients, their families and staff.’
The Stars Appeal funds a range of projects at the Hospital including additional equipment such as state-of-the-art monitors, hospital chaplaincy, free Wi-Fi, accommodation for parents of babies and children, entertainment and companionship for older people, and support for the hospital’s hard-working staff.
Show Secretary Louise Hall says: ‘Berwick Fayre is unique in many ways, not least the incredible people who make it happen. I cant thank everyone enough. This marvellous announcement is a result of everyone’s tremendous efforts, dedication and commitment.’
The Berwick St John Country Fayre has been running every other year since 1992, raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for a wide variety of charities over the years, before committing long term support to the Stars Appeal in 2012.
The next Country Fayre will next take place in September 2024.
