EXCITEMENT is growing as final preparations are put in place for Wellington Hospital League of Friends 50th Anniversary Fete on Saturday (June 23) in the grounds of Wellesley Park Primary School at Homefield, Wellington.

What promises to be a fun-packed afternoon of family entertainment begins at 2pm, when Mayor of Wellington Cllr Gary James performs the official opening, and continues right through to 6pm.

“This is quite an ambitious venture for the League”, said Diane Grabham, one of the League trustees. The fete is usually just two hours and indoors, but with twice the time and being outdoors it has given us scope to include so many extra activities.

“We’ve had a wonderful response from people who want to be part of this, whether performing, running stalls or making donations of articles. It’s really wonderful to see this support for our local hospital services and celebrate 50 years of the League of Friends.”

A programme of local entertainment includes Wellington Majorettes, Avtar Bollywood and Bhangra Dance, Wellesley Park School Choir, Wellington Operatic Society singing songs from the shows, and vocalist John Walker.

Children can have fun on the bouncy castle, the inflatable obstacle course and improve their ball skills with football coaching.

Diane added: “For some quieter entertainment how about some crafting with Bodley Craft, have faces and nails painted and perhaps a glitter tattoo. All the family can have a go at bowling on Wellington Bowling Club’s portable rink – who knows you may discover a hidden talent.

“Ever wanted to get up close to a cuddly alpaca? Well, now is your chance as several of these lovely animals will be on site for you to see.

“A wide range of stalls and games include the ever-popular plant stall – with many thanks to local plant nurseries which have once again been so generous in their donations. League members have also been raiding their own gardens to contribute plants.

“Staff from the Wellington Community Hospital and Stratfield House will be running the tombola, sweet game and a guess the name of the cuddly dog. Wellington Inner Wheel will be running a stall, and other stalls include children’s bracelets, bespoke bears, craft kits, preserves and strawberries, with others yet to be agreed.

“No fete would be complete without delicious home-made cakes and who better to supply these than West Buckland WI. If it’s hot food you want then you have the choice of a freshly baked pizza from Stone Artizan Pizza or some tasty barbecue treats cooked by Coates Butchers from Rockwell Green.

“Wash this down with a tipple from the licensed bar run by The Vintage, or a tea or coffee from Braziers. Finally round it off with a cooling ice cream from Somerset Ices.”

Members of St John Ambulance will be in attendance and, call-outs permitting, Wellington Fire Brigade may bring along a fire engine.

Tickets are already on sale for the Grand Draw available from trustees, hospital reception and at the fete. First prize is £100 and lots of other prize packages include coach tickets to London, sports membership, family days out and more. Once again businesses both local and further afield have been generous. The draw will take place towards the end of the afternoon. A £20 cash prize will be on offer for the owner of the programme bearing the lucky number.

Money raised from this event will go into league funds to continue to support local hospital services.