Triumphant return of Melksham Hospital Fete

After a 15-year break, Melksham Hospital Fete returned on Sunday 9th July, with the local community turning out in force to celebrate the hospital and the services it provides.

Opening the event, secretary of the Friends of Melksham Hospital, Donna Rudderman said, “Welcome, this event has not been held since 2008 and, from the responses from the public, it has been missed. It was the original idea of our late treasurer, Jean Harris, who sadly passed away earlier this year. She will be greatly missed. We are dedicating this fete to her.

“Thank you for supporting Melksham Community Hospital who provide a wonderful service for all of us, and a really huge thank you to all the helpers that have given up their time to help make this happen.”

Music from the Ukulele Club and local band JJ Rewired entertained the crowds. There was a bouncy castle, ice cream van, candy floss, stalls from local businesses and a performance by Melksham Music and Drama. Children also had a chance to meet Peppa Pig.

Melksham Carnival’s Bonny Baby competition and a popular dog show were also held.

Donna Rudderman said, “We were delighted that so many people from the community, stall holders and volunteers supported the event, also a huge thank you to our dedicated committee members who worked so hard bringing the event together.”

Melksham’s Deputy Mayor, cllr Tom Price said, “Sunday afternoon in Melksham saw the rebirth of a fantastic event that we haven’t seen here for 15 years. Walking around the hospital grounds, it was amazing to see so many families enjoying such a beautiful Sunday afternoon as a community.

“With the current campaign for government to invest in Melksham Hospital, this fete has been key in raising awareness of this. Melksham is blessed to have many yearly events that residents can enjoy including Melksham Christmas Lights switch on, Food Festival and more recently Pride. I’m hopeful that the Melksham Hospital Fete becomes one of these events too. A massive thank you to the organisers.”

Winners of the dog show were; first place, Bertie the Bearded Collie; Second place, Mucky the Bulldog X; and in third place, Louie, a Bichon Frise.

The winners of the Bonny Baby competition were; 0 to three months; 1st,  Olivia; 2nd, Scarlett; 3rd, Miya. Four to 11 months old: 1st, Grayson; 2nd, Tommy; 3rd, Arthur. One to two years old: 1st, Theo; 2nd, Eloise; 3rd, Benji. Three years to reception: 1st, Bonnie; 2nd, Clarissa; 3rd, Tilly.

The overall winner was Theo in the one to two-year group, with the highest point total. He was awarded a trophy and rosette.

The Melksham Carnival Queen, Debbie Holman, awarded two-year-old Rosie the Pat Reeves Memorial Cup, this award is given to the contestant who was her personal favourite. Rosie was awarded a trophy and teddy bear.

Organiser of the Bonny Baby competition Beth Dark said, “Pat Reeves was the amazing lady who used to organise and run the Melksham Hospital Fete Bonnie Baby Show, before the hospital closed. Her daughter is our rosette sponsor and donated our stunning rosettes.

“We would like to say a huge thank you to all the contestants and families, for supporting us. Starwulf Crafts for the beautiful rosettes. Nik at Cobblers Bench for the amazing trophies. Melksham Town Council for the loan of the gazebo, Donna and the team for all their hard work, organising, the first of many, hospital fetes; and our super judges, Paula Goldstraw , Debs Holman, Debbie Burns and Sue Mortimer, for their help. Your Melksham Carnival Team really appreciate you all.”

The hospital still provides some services since the wards were closed in 2007, 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. A campaign is ongoing, led by MP Michelle Donelan with the Friends of Melksham Hospital, lobbying for more investment into the site and for Melksham to have its own established hospital.