Crowborough Hospital Fete has fallen victim to the Covid-19 epidemic and will not take place this year.  It is the first time the event has been cancelled since it became established in the late 1950s as the town’s main August Bank Holiday Monday attraction.

Friends of Crowborough Hospital chairman, Chantal Wilson, said: “It has been a difficult decision not to hold the fete this year but there really is no option. No-one wants to break a great Crowborough tradition and I know many people will greatly miss this annual opportunity to have a very enjoyable afternoon while supporting our much-loved hospital at the same time.”

Regrettably, the Friends are also unable to accept any donated goods this year so please do not bring anything to the hospital site.  However, residents who have taken the opportunity to sort through their cupboards during lockdown are asked to try to store donations ready for next year’s Hospital Fete. “Let’s try to make the 2021 event, a bumper year,” said Mrs Wilson.

Financial support for our hospital is even more important at this difficult time but, even so, the Friends have managed to buy equipment for the minor injuries unit and birthing centre during lockdown. The need does not diminish so Friends are now looking at alternative ways of focusing attention on Crowborough Hospital on Bank Holiday Monday.

Please look out for announcements in the Press, on the Friends’ website (www.foch.org.uk ), Twitter  (@foch_org_uk), and Facebook. “Fingers crossed, we will hold a very different event in this unprecedented year so please look out for what the Friends organise for the day,” said Mrs Wilson.