The charity supper and auction held in aid of Rye, Winchelsea and District Memorial Hospital Ltd was an enormous success on Friday, November 19. Guests were welcomed with a glass of bubbly and tempting appetizers by the hub staff and volunteers. The centenary raffle was drawn before the guests sat down to enjoy a delicious supper prepared by the hub’s chef, Paul Lawrence-Bark, ably assisted by Michelle Hayter.
Jacky Dudfield, chair of the hospital liaison committee, gave a short presentation and revealed the ten individuals who were invited to become centenary friends in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the hospital’s charity in recent years. They were presented with a specially commissioned mug by the charity’s president, Anne Phillips. The ten centenary friends are Sally Compton, Paddy Coulman, Frances Catt, Denny Nicol, Tessa Potts, Jane Conlin, Jane Neame, Hilary Edwards, Richard Adams and Lesley Farrow.
The charity auction began with simultaneous participation online and the bidding was steady and generous. By the close, the charity had raised an incredible total of £9,380 and a huge vote of thanks goes to all who bid and supported the event. The funds raised will be used to replace mattresses on the hospital’s ward.
The charity would also like to thank the team of volunteers and staff who helped to organise and run the event so competently.
The charity’s fundraising efforts will continue in earnest next year as much of the hospital’s equipment requires upgrading or replacing. Details of forthcoming events will be available on the website. The charity will be working in association with RyeSingers (who are celebrating their 50th anniversary) to hold a Christmas concert at St Michael’s in Playden on Sunday, December 19. This event will be free but there will be an opportunity to make a donation, with funds being split between the charity, St Michael’s church and RyeSingers.
If you would like to support the charity’s ongoing fundraising campaign, become a friend or volunteer or just want to find out more about your local community hospital, please visit www.ryehospital.org.uk or contact Francesca Clent, company secretary, at fundraising@ryehospital.org.uk or on 01797 223810.
Image Credits: Steve Powell .