What was described as an “incredible £1,100” was raised at the Friends of Savernake Hospital traditional Christmas fair, the first of its kind organised by volunteers working together under Pat Harper, the Friends’ Shop co-ordinator.
Fears that it would be too far out of Marlborough for people to travel, that car parking would be strictly limited and that it wouldn’t work were overcome by the offer of free mince pies.
“And we ran out of them,” Pat told Marlborough News Online. “We were all completely dumbfounded as the whole day worked like a dream and was simply lovely.”
The Friends’ Shop volunteers baked, knitted, crafted, planted, weaved and sewed for months in advance to provide the Christmas goods for sale and also on sale as a stocking filler was the Friends’ Nosh Recipe Book, price £5.
“The takings for the day were an incredible £1,100,” added Pat.
Among those present was Val Compton, who campaigned for a judicial review when Savernake came under threat.
“For me it was a lovely reunion with nurses, doctors, therapists and staff, many of whom I hadn’t seen for some considerable time,” said Val. “The buzz was great especially thanks to Pat Harper who runs the hospital shop set up after the judicial review on behalf of the Friends.”
“I can’t tell you how gratifying it is to see something start from day one then stand back and watch it fly ahead with such success.”
Joan Davies, a member of Savernake Parish Council, organised free parking for those who attended and Richard Garland at the hospital allowed the Friends to take over the reception area in which to stage the fair.
“Next year we might need the entire ground floor,” said Pat Harper.
