Hundreds of local people turned up to Queen Mary’s Hospital on Saturday – not for appointments, but to celebrate this year’s Summer Fair. The sun shone over Roehampton as the crowds moved in, enjoying all the various stalls and games. The day was a huge success, raising well over £5,000 for the Hospital’s League of Friends.
The afternoon got underway after well-known TV and radio personality Nicholas Parsons officially opened the fair, or as he put it ‘declared the fair continuing to be open’ as many people had taken advantage of arriving early. He gave a short speech welcoming everyone to the annual event:
“This fair is thanks to the warm and generous staff of the hospital who have given up their spare time. Keep spending, as everything you spend today is going back into your local hospital.”
After the speech, Nicholas wandered around the stalls with his wife, Anne, enjoyed the strawberries, cream & pimms, talked with many of the staff who were running the stalls and then gave some time to sign autographs and have photographs taken.
His visit to the area coincides with his show at Richmond Theatre on July 14th where he will be appearing in ‘Nicholas Parsons: A life in Comedy’.
Also attending the day was the Mayor of Wandsworth, Cllr. Leslie McDonnell and the Deputy Mayor of Richmond, Cllr. Pat Parsons both who made welcome speeches highlighting the exciting times ahead for the future of Queen Mary’s Hospital, along with Tony Coleman MP and Jenny Tonge MP.
Stalls at the fair included plants, books, nearly new clothes, cakes, Thai food from ‘Sophita’ in Sheen, a barbecue and the popular tombola. Catalyst Healthcare, the private sector partner who are the preferred bidder for the construction and upkeep of the PFI hospital, were also available for people to meet and talk to about the plans.
Children were not left out of the fun with pony rides, pitch & putt, score a goal, and face painting all part of the excitement.
Entertainment throughout the afternoon was provided by local band ‘Savannah’ whose music varied from the Beatles to James Brown.
Ray Luton of the League of Friends was overwhelmed with the success of the day:
“It was a fantastic day with a great turn-out, and lovely weather. The money raised was obviously significant but what is more important is to let the local people know that the hospital is still here and still working, with fantastic staff throughout.”
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Notes for Editors:
Nicholas Parsons will be appearing at the Richmond Theatre on Sunday July 14th with his one-man show “Nicholas Parsons: A Life in Comedy”. Tickets are available from the box office on 020 8940 0088.
Photographs of the day were taken by Paul at Newsquest. Also see attached photos taken throughout the day.
For more information please contact Sarah Belton in the Communications Department, on 020 8355 2893.
Where possible, please refer to our website, www.wandsworth-pct.nhs.uk as a resource for your readers, listeners or viewers. Thank you.
Hundreds of local people turned up to Queen Mary’s Hospital on Saturday – not for appointments, but to celebrate this year’s Summer Fair. The sun shone over Roehampton as the crowds moved in, enjoying all the various stalls and games. The day was a huge success, raising well over £5,000 for the Hospital’s League of Friends.
