A Burnham-On-Sea community group has this week presented £300 to the Friends of Burnham Hospital after organising a popular summer fete.
Burnham Events Social Team (BEST) safeguarded the future of Burnham’s traditional August Bank Holiday Fete in the Manor Gardens by coming forward to organise it this year – and raise funds at the same time for the town’s hospital.
Kathy Jones, Chair of the Burnham Events Social Team, said: “I am delighted to be able to present this cheque to the Friends of Burnham Hospital. It was a very successful day, and this £300 is nearly 60% of the money that was given to us by all the stall holders who made a contribution to the fete.”
“I am pleased we were able to step in and continue this long standing tradition. It was an excellent day, and we were very pleased with the end result. I would like to thank the BEST team for all their efforts, it was a lot of hard work, but very enjoyable, and everything went well on the day.”
Bernard Spilsbury, Chairman of Friends of Burnham Hospital, added: “It was with a heavy heart that the Friends of the Hospital decided that we were no longer able to continue with the organisation of the Bank Holiday Fete. With a committee that was dwindling in numbers and, yes, getting older every year together with ever rising costs and burgeoning paper work we made the decision to look at other ways to fund raise that were within our physical capabilities.”
“We were, therefore, very pleased when BEST stepped up and said that they would run the event. At that time they promised that they would make a donation to the Friends of the Hospital if they were in profit. Today, true to their word, they have met with us and given us this cheque for £300.”
“I am sure that the Fete proved to be a good day for all. As Friends, having a Stall there was great. We are very grateful for this money and we will use it towards the continuing provision of the Drinks Machine that is sited in the Outpatients Department. We would also like to take this opportunity to wish BEST every success in the future with the events that they organise on behalf of the People of Burnham and Highbridge.”
Peter Burridge-Clayton, Vice Chairman of BEST, added: “It was a tremendous event and a very good day for all the groups and charities that took part. Thousands of pounds were raised for some very good causes, and we were pleased to be able to facilitate that. We were happy with the end result and I am delighted to say we have booked the Manor Gardens for next year’s summer Bank Holiday fete. We hope to keep the former hospital fete alive for many years to come.”
“The BEST team did a great job with this event, and they have many more events planned. Our next event is ‘Blitz in the Ritz’, a 1940’s wartime-themed evening of entertainment and food. Guests will be invited to dress up to the theme if they wish, and it should be a fantastic evening. It is on November 19th after the Christmas lights switch-on in Burnham and tickets are on sale at £6.50 from The Ritz and the Toycupboard. There are only 20 tickets remaining so please book early to avoid disappointment.”
“We will be holding our Christmas events again, including the skating rink during the school holidays. Our events planned for 2017 have now gone in to double figures so it’s going to be a busy year ahead. We have built up an excellent team of volunteers and our membership is growing, which is very pleasing. If anybody is interested in joining our group then please look at our facebook pages, or website, for contact details or pop into the Toycupboard and speak to Kathy.”
