2025 Fete
The annual Bodmin Hospital League of Friends Fete was held at Fair Park on Saturday 21st June. The objective being to raise funds for projects and equipment to support the staff and patients at the Hospital.
Entertainment was provided throughout the afternoon by Future Youth Dance, KBSK Performing Arts and Bodmin Musical Theatre Group, all held together by ‘Firebird’ Tina Roberts. It was a joy to see the proud expressions of parents, friends and bystanders at the enthusiasm and talent shown by the young performers.
For animal lovers the Hugs equine rescue charity bought along 2 ponies. You could watch or provide an entrant into the dog show with guest judge Natasha from Pore and Order.
Young and old enjoyed exploring the police van and sitting on the motorbikes provided by Cornish Blood Bikers. The Army Reservists were there with a stand and in a corner an impressive display of vintage engines owned by local man Mark Barlow. Hawkins Motors once again supported the event with 3 new vehicles on display.
Mid Cornwall Brokers sponsored the draw and Castle Canyke Scouts sold teas, coffees and burgers supplemented by the League of Friends produce stall selling home made cakes supplemented by pasties, doughnuts and cakes from Barnecutts. On the League of Friends plant stall there were volunteer grown plants amongst those donated by Bodmin Nursery and Trelawney Garden Centre
Staff and volunteers from the wards and departments in the Hospital ran a wide variety of stalls providing information, games and activities for young and old.
This was a lovely community run event run by volunteers and supported by local businesses. It was blessed with warm, and sometimes very warm weather under a mainly blue sky.
Open Garden – 29th & 30th March
The League of Friends provided refreshments, light lunches and teas as well assisting with parking at the beautiful gardens owned by Tony Ryde and Dr James Wilson at The Lodge, Fletchers Bridge. The garden was open to the public as part of the National Garden Scheme and it has, in recent years, become a regular event in our fund raising calendar.
Despite some apprehension because of the forecast of rain the weather was kind on both days but particularly sunny and warm on the Sunday. The 30th was Mothering Sunday and there was a lot of speculation that this would reduce the number of visitors. In the event it had a very positive effect boosting numbers and creating a lovely warm family atmosphere.
A record number of 240 visitors attended over the weekend with the League of Friends raising nearly £1,100 and Tony and James taking over £1,400 for the National Open Garden Scheme.
The work to be undertaken on these occasions should not be under estimated. It is not only the serving of the visitors while the garden is open but in all the preparation and set up as well the clearing down and returning everything as it was before we arrived. The team served cream teas, soup, sandwiches, rolls and of course cakes. All made by the volunteers themselves supplemented by donations from local businesses and baking from the patients in Sowenna ward at Bodmin Hospital. There was a lovely camaraderie from the team and excellent feedback from the members of the public.
A lovely garden in a lovely setting and we were also treated to the occasional visit by Maurice the white pheasant!
Well done to all involved.
Bodmin Hospital Fete 2025
21st June: Bodmin Hospital Fete, Fair Park, Bodmin.
