Melksham Hospital Fete returns after 15 years

AFTER 15 years, Melksham Hospital Fete is back this July and aims to bring the community together and celebrate the hospital, which was opened in the late 1930s.

Organised as a fundraiser by the Friends of Melksham Hospital in the 1950s/1960s, the annual fete was very popular, attracting large crowds and was one of the town’s main events. When the wards of the hospital were shut in 2007, the fete did not run again.

Now it is set to return on Sunday 9th July, 2pm to 5.30pm and will include all the traditional elements of a summer fair including live music, Melksham Carnival’s Bonny Baby competition, a dog show, a bouncy castle, ice cream van, candy floss, stalls from local businesses; a performance by Melksham Music and Drama and a chance for children to meet Peppa Pig,

Secretary and trustee of the charity Friends of Melksham Hospital and Community, which has been supporting the hospital for over 50 years, Donna Ruderman said, “The idea to resurrect the fete was from the late Jean Harris, our treasurer and trustee for the last 10 years, who sadly passed away a few weeks ago.

“She was keen for the community to come together, including all the new residents of our town, to celebrate the hospital, its history and the wonderful work it still does helping the people of Melksham and surrounding area. We are dedicating this event to her memory.”

The wards were shut in 2007, following the closure of the hospital’s minor injuries unit. A campaign was launched in the town to keep the hospital’s minor injuries unit open, but it was unsuccessful and remained closed, along with MI units in nearby town hospitals. Since then, some services have remained, including x-ray, mental health, podiatry, a physiotherapy department, a wheelchair service, a number of out-patient services, and some minor operations which are performed on site.

Recently MP Michelle Donelan, with the support of the charity, has campaigned for more investment to be given to Melksham Hospital, following an increased need for hospital services in the town that has a growing population.

Donna said, “We have been giving out leaflets to people in the town and some residents, especially those who are new to Melksham, did not even know the town has a hospital. It would be lovely for Melksham to have a working hospital and to take the pressure off the Royal United Hospital in Bath.”

Donna said, “This will be a good old fashioned summer fete. Bring a picnic blanket and have an ice-cream.”

Parking is available at Giffords surgery.