Bumper Crowds at Scorching Fête

Scorching weather saw the Bishop of Salisbury’s annual summer fête for the Sudan Medical Link attract bumper crowds of with 800 adults attending, along with many children. 

The fête was orgainsed by Helen Holtam, whose husband is the Bishop of Salisbury, for the Sudan Medical Link. 

Helen said, “The fête has raised over £12,000 for medical supplies in South Sudan, one of the world’s poorest countries. This money will help train nurses and midwifes and buy medicines and equipment – even basic medical goods like disinfectant and bandages are in short supply in the country. 

“A great time was had by all with lots of traditional fête games, the Cathedral’s Junior and Youth Choirs, the Amesbury Town Band, and best of all, the chance to flop out in the lovely South Canonry garden with a cuppa and cake. We served more than 80 kilos of ice cream. We even had two live camels in attendance. 

“We were delighted that the event was part of the Great Get Together taking place across the country, in honour of Jo Cox, and her vision that across this country we are far more united and have far more in common with each other than that which divides us. 

“We hope even more people will attend next year.”

The Diocese has raised well over £100,000 for work in South Sudan over the past four months. The East African nation, the world’s newest independent country, is currently struggling with famine and a civil war as well as entrenched poverty. There has a link between the Diocese of Salisbury and the Church in South Sudan and Sudan for the past 44 years. 

Pictures from the fête are available on line as follows

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Flickr (no sign in required, high resolution download available) here.