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Bumper Summer Fete Enters a New Galaxy, Raises £5,300 for Hospice

 

July 19, 2010

Hundreds of people turned out for Birmingham St Mary’s spectacular summer fete on Saturday (July 17), enjoying an afternoon of family attractions ranging from eye-catching Star Wars characters to a novelty dog show.  

The fete, now in its 29th year, has become a firm fixture in south Birmingham’s summer calendar. And the 2010 event is on course to raise £5,300 for the Hospice, which provides vital palliative care to people with life-limiting illnesses from Birmingham and Sandwell. 

Fete organiser Jo Proudler said she was delighted with the estimated 500-strong turnout for the event, which was opened by Birmingham’s Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Michael Wilkes at the Hospice’s base in Selly Park. 

Jo said: “It looked hit and miss with the weather all week but thankfully we dropped lucky and Saturday stayed warm and dry apart from a brief shower at the beginning. We are really happy with the numbers of people attending, who I’m sure all had a really good day.”  

She added: “In addition to the fun atmosphere generated, we are set to raise £5,300 from this event, thanks to the continued wonderful support from the community. I would like to thank the 100 or so volunteers who helped make the fete possible and the public for turning out and supporting Birmingham St Mary’s.” 

Among the attractions was a group of four characters from blockbuster films Star Wars. They were members of enthusiasts group UK Garrison and were kitted out in realistic regalia of Imperial Stormtroopers and a Tai Fighter Pilot from the George Lucas cult movies. 

UK Garrison Events Coordinator for Birmingham Richard Mattocks said: “We’re really happy to come along today and be a part of the fete. We’re in our 10th year now and supporting charities is something we’re very keen to do. Birmingham St Mary’s is a great local one for us to get behind. We hope that our presence here will attract a few more people along.” 

Much joy was brought by the novelty dog show which attracted a variety of fine canines including a Dogue de Bordeaux, border collie and a Weimaraner, who scooped best in show. Another animal attraction was a display by S&D Falconry. 

There was also a vintage car display, drawing dads’ attention with a buffed-up Land Rover and an evocative Morris Minor van. Elsewhere at the fete entertainment came from two groups of dancers, namely the Murphy Brennan Irish Dance Academy and Cast Off, an Appalachian step dance group. Displays were put on by local police, which featured a dog handler, fire crews and the Co-op.  

The 109th Birmingham 1st Bartley Green Scouts had a busy time at the fete. In addition to running a ‘name the teddy’ competition, their members acted as gofers, running errands for various stall holders. 

Scout Leader Andrew Hitch said they had had a fantastic day: “The Scouts really enjoyed themselves, particularly the bit where they were arrested by the Star Wars Stormtroopers – that made the event for them. They were also highly honoured to meet the Deputy Lord Mayor and I think with all the hard work they’ve done today they’ve more than earned their Community Challenge Badges.” 

Another head-turning attraction was a mini steam train run by the Birmingham Society of Model Engineers. Engine driver John Richards brought the track and train to the fete due to a personal connection to Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice.  

He said: “My wife was cared for by the Hospice and I can’t fault the care she got, so we’re really happy to be here today as a way of repaying that. And we’ve had a lot of interest from the public, from all ages. We’ve had a really good day.” 

Visitors to the fete – if they could wait that long - were able to take away a taste of the day thanks to a stall selling an array of delicious homemade cakes. There were also numerous stalls selling items ranging from bread bins to books. 

A tombola run by Day Hospice volunteer Mary Goley and her daughter Linda was nearly cleared out by the day’s end. 

“We’ve had a fantastic day, with people eagerly vying to win a tombola prize. It’s great to have been able to get involved and do something positive for this local cause,” Mary said. 

Since its launch in 1979, Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice has cared for tens of thousands of people with life-limiting illnesses, such as cancer, motor neurone disease and MS.  

With around 52 percent of the Hospice’s budget reliant on public goodwill, community fundraising is crucial to ensuring its highly specialised services can continue to be offered to the people of Birmingham and Sandwell. 

In addition to a 25-bed Inpatient Unit, Birmingham St Mary’s boasts a 20-place Day Hospice and provides community care to people who wish to stay in their own homes.  

The Hospice also supports relatives with bereavement preparation, physiotherapy tuition and counselling in addition to many other services.  

Annual running costs stand at £6.3 million, with around £1 million being raised in the Hospice’s shops and £2.7 million via community fundraising events. The remainder comes from the NHS. 

Birmingham St Mary’s nurses, often referred to by patients and relatives as ‘angels’, are renowned for going that extra mile to ensure people with terminal illnesses enjoy the best possible quality of life.