Organisers of the annual Dacorum Steam and Country Fayre presented a cheque for £6k to The Hospice of St Francis this week – a fantastic amount considering that the second day of this year’s event had to be cancelled due to rain.
Despite the downpour, which turned the 62-acre showground site at Green Croft Farm, Potten End, into a mud bath, show-goers made the most of one day of sunshine to have a memorable family day out.
“It wasn’t easy wading through all that mud,” said organiser Dawn Bunker, from The Dacorum Machinery and Steam Preservation Group. “The farmer, Pete Groom, had to come out in his tractor to scrape and roll the entrance to make it flat enough for everyone to get in but there was so much goodwill, everyone stayed upbeat and the atmosphere was fantastic.
“I’d just like to thank all the members of the public, the market traders, exhibitors and volunteers for their understanding and positivity in making it such a great day and turning out to raise much-needed funds for The Hospice of St Francis.”
Hemel MP, Mike Penning, who attends the event every year as one of the Hospice’s patrons, was there and despite the mud, the heavy horse, blacksmithing and birds of prey displays went ahead as planned, as did glass blowing, archery, farm machinery, vintage tractors, steam engines and commercial fire and military vehicle displays.
Only a few attractions didn’t get through the mud and the classic and vintage cars had to stay away but Alison Allard, Head of Quality and Patient Experience at The Hospice, summed it up when she said, “There was something for everybody and despite the threat of rain on Saturday, everyone had Dunkirk spirits, mucking in and helping each other to make the day a wonderful success.
“We’d like to thank everyone for coming and helping to raise a great amount, despite the rain! Special thanks must go to the organisers, suppliers and volunteers for supporting us, helping us to edge towards raising 80% of the £4.8m we need every year to continue to care for people living with life-shortening illness across Herts and Bucks.
“We couldn’t do it without them and we’re looking forward to seeing everyone again at next year’s event on 30th/31st July 2016!”
The Fayre’s organisers have donated over £120k to the Berkhamsted-based charity over the last eight years to help it continue to provide its care for Herts and Bucks people facing life-limiting illness, and aims to inspire the next generation to preserve the vintage vehicles of their heritage.
For media enquiries, please contact Cathy Salmon or Prunella Murray, Communications Managers, on 01442 869555 / email cathy.salmon@stfrancis.org.uk or prunella.murray@stfrancis.org.uk
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