THE popular Rockbourne Fair raised more than £50,000 for the Stars Appeal – the Salisbury Hospital charity.
Members of the fair committee handed over £51,482, surpassing the amount raised in 2021, to the president of the appeal, Lord Pembroke, the charity’s Hospital Ambassadors, and hospital chief executive Stacey Hunter.

Bev Moulding, chair of the Rockbourne Fair Committee, said: “We are delighted that Rockbourne Fair 2022 has raised such an incredible amount for the Stars Appeal.
“It was wonderful to see so many people come through the door and enjoy this unique shopping experience – the atmosphere was fantastic.
“This achievement is even more remarkable given the current economic climate.
“We are extremely grateful to everyone who made the event such a success – for the support of our stallholders, our volunteers and the generosity of everyone who attended. This money will go on to make a big impact on the lives of so many people in Salisbury District Hospital and it’s a great reminder of how we can come together to make a real difference to our community.”
The boutique shopping event, held annually, took place in October at Salisbury Racecourse. The 2023 event will run from October 18 to 20.

Lord Pembroke said: “As someone who has some experience in organising events I really understand the time and also the effort that goes into pulling these things together.
“They can be quite stressful at times but when organisers and the community come together something special happens and we get amazing results, which is clear from the incredible amount raised from the Rockbourne Fair. All I can say is thank you.”
Dave Cates, of the Stars Appeal, said: “This wonderful gift takes us a huge step forward as we seek to fund over £1 million of enhancements at Salisbury District Hospital this year. Thousands of people every week benefit from Stars Appeal projects from state-of-the-art scanners to accommodation for the parents of sick children, none of our work would be possible without the brilliant support of people like the Rockbourne Fair Committee to whom we extend our most grateful and sincere thanks.”

Projects the Stars Appeal is looking to fund for 2023 include a £142,000 echocardiogram machine, £55,000 to fund new scalp cooling machines to help prevent hair loss for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, a £20,000 brain function monitor and a £15,000 mechanical CPR machine.

To find out more about the Stars Appeal visit starsappeal.org or for the latest on the 2023 Rockbourne Fair go to rockbournefair.org.uk.