Record amount raised at Country Fayre

The organisers announced the total raised and presented the funds at a special event at the packed-out Berwick St John Village Hall on Sunday, November 20th. They revealed a whopping £63,117.18 had been raised for the Salisbury District Hospital Stars Appeal. The two-day event, which took place on September 17 and 18 and featured rural crafts, tractors, full-size and miniature steam engines, classic cars, horses, the famous beer and tea tents, and many other attractions, was attended by tens of thousands of people.

Berwick St John Country Fayre co-chair Richard Pocock was delighted with the amount raised and thanked all those who had made it possible. He said: "Words can’t describe the feeling of what has been achieved. It’s been a team effort. It is mind-blowing.”

Fellow co-chair Gerald Mundy added: "It is the most we have ever raised. It is phenomenal.”

“A lot of work goes on behind the scenes but when we get the support and results like this it makes it so worthwhile, the Stars Appeal supports everybody.”

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 at the age of 8. She shared her personal experience of how the Stars Appeal made a difference to both her and her family during her long stays in hospital by providing accommodation for her parents, fun play activities and free Wi-Fi.

Other speakers included frontline Salisbury Hospital staff Dr Jonathan Cullis, Mr Roger Humphry, Dr Phil Ridley and Hospital Chaplain Rev. David Langford, who all highlighted how funds raised for the Stars Appeal support patients, families and staff.

During the presentation, 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.”

Dr Jonathan Cullis, Consultant Haematologist, added: “On behalf of our patients, a huge heartfelt thanks to you all for all that you do to help the Stars Appeal through the country fayre. We are very, very grateful.”

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 commented: “I am super proud of the team, by which I mean not just the Directors, but everyone who did their bit, large or small, for this year’s Fayre.    I am blown away by the generosity and support we receive, which again is demonstrated today by so many people across the board here to share in the celebration of their achievements and hear the difference our money makes for the Stars Appeal, to improve lives of both patients and staff at Salisbury Hospital.  Berwick Fayre is unique in many ways, not least the incredible people who make it happen. We have developed close and personal relationships with many of our contractors, suppliers and supporters who are kind and loyal; they all appreciate, understand and believe in what we are doing and share our passion to support the Stars Appeal.  I can't thank everyone enough for this marvellous announcement; as a result everyone’s tremendous efforts, dedication and commitment to us and the charity.” 

Rounding off the presentation, Dave Cates, Head of Fundraising at the Stars Appeal, said: “Thank you all so much for raising this amazing amount that will prove so important in not only sustaining Stars Appeal projects across the Hospital but also helping to fund new initiatives, all of which will benefit thousands of local people. Your hard work and ongoing support are hugely appreciated.” 

The Berwick St John Country Fayre has been running every other year since 1992, raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for various charities (including the Stars Appeal) 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.   To date, the Fayre and associated events have raised over £310,000

Other events include a tractor road run across Salisbury Plain in April, and hopefully, two tractor working weekends will be held to raise funds throughout next year.   To find out more, visit the Fayre’s website www.berwickstjohncountryfayre.co.uk or Facebook and Instagram pages.