After its summer community event was rained off, Friends of Swanage Hospital is heading indoors for its autumn fundraiser.
The Swanage Hospital Autumn Fayre takes place from 10 am to 12 noon Saturday 9th November 2024 at the Catholic church hall in Rempstone Road.
Swanage Hospital – at the heart of the community
Heading indoors for Autumn Fayre
In June 2024, it was planned to host afternoon tea in the Swanage Hospital garden along with a number of summer fair stalls. But as the Friends were starting to set up it poured down with rain and the event had to be called off.
Now the team is back with its Autumn Fayre, safely under shelter, inside the Catholic church hall, with cakes, produce, bric-a-brac, crafts, and books to buy, as well as a raffle and tombola.
Autumn Fayre raffle prizes are hampers filled with goodies generously donated by local businesses
“Very good raffle prizes”
Chair of Friends of Swanage Hospital Deirdre Selwyn said:
“I can tell you there’s some interesting Christmas gifts to buy with bracelets, necklaces and cards handmade by one of our amazing members of hospital staff – ideal stocking filler gifts!
“I also have to mention the fabulous Christmas cakes made by Sue Whitton. There’s always a splendid selection but as Sue is so well known for her baking, they don’t last long!
“There’s also some very good raffle prizes – hampers filled with lots of lovely things, and of course plenty of refreshments. There’s tea and coffee, as well as the David Pike homemade mince pies, which are a popular Christmas treat.”
Inside Swanage Hospital the decorative fireplace is an eye-catching focal point
Crucial fundraising
Swanage Hospital was founded in 1895 by the children of George and Elizabeth Burt, in memory of their parents and, at first, relied on charitable donations for its income.
Later, after the formation of the NHS in 1948, the cottage hospital became government funded.
However the Friends of Swanage Hospital has continued to support the hospital and its work, raising millions of pounds over the years.
While the community hospital does not offer acute services care, it continues to look after residents in its 15 bed Stanley Purser ward and at its minor injuries unit (MIU).
While the MIU hours have recently been cut and is now only open between 9 am and 6 pm, it’s still widely recognised as providing an outstanding service for local residents and visitors.
Plenty of chances to win tempting prizes in the raffle
Walk-in flu and Covid vaccination clinic
The hospital also offers clinics, although it was a real blow to some vulnerable residents when the rheumatology clinic at Swanage was closed in 2023, leaving many patients with mobility issues having to travel to Poole Hospital.
However many clinics remain at Swanage Hospital, including a new walk-in flu and Covid vaccination clinic taking place between 10 am to 4 pm on Wednesday 6th November 2024.
The clinic, which requires no appointment, is for all those over the age of 65, frontline NHS staff, vulnerable people and anyone else who qualifies.
Chair of Friends of Swanage Hospital Deirdre Selwyn
“Make the most of the refreshments”
Deirdre added:
“While it’s important to continue to raise funds, the Autumn Fayre is also about making the Friends of Swanage Hospital and its work, more visible in the local community.
“It’s a chance to meet the committee and have a chat about the hospital and discuss any thoughts that people may have. We’re the local public face of the hospital and we are grateful for all the support from the community, including the generous donations for the raffle from local businesses.
“Everyone is welcome to come along to the Autumn Fayre – it’s only for two hours – so do get in quick and make the most of the refreshments and the opportunity to have a chat!”
Further information
- More about the Friends of Swanage Hospital and how to join the group is on its website
