Undeterred by the changes to services at Deal Hospital, organisers of this year’s fete are preparing for a day of family fun today (Saturday).

Every year the Friends of Deal Hospital put their all into the annual spectacular, which is the biggest day for raising funds and awareness in the hospital’s calendar.

Friends president Maureen Bane said: “It has been a difficult year for staff and patients with many outpatient services transferring to Dover.

“We want to raise the profile of the hospital at the fete to show what a great community hospital we have in Deal continuing to deliver excellent care and services to the community and not closing.”

There will be games, tombolas and various stalls selling cakes, jewellery, toffee apples, refreshments and barbecued food.

“Come along and enjoy a fun afternoon and support Deal Hospital” - Maureen Bane, president, Friends of Deal Hospital

Deal and District Motorcycle Club, which celebrates 65 years in 2015, will show off a collection of vintage and new bikes.

Train rides are available, and model trains will be exhibited courtesy of East Kent Model Railways.

And weather permitting, donkeys will be there for petting.

Reflexology sessions will allow the adults to put their feet up in the summerhouse for 15 minutes’ of tactile pampering.

Music comes from the Sunshine Ukes, whom Mrs Bane said she is “delighted” to welcome.

And new for 2015 is the best dressed teddy bear competition for adults and children. Judging is at 2.45pm. In addition, The children’ fancy dress competition will be judged at 2.30pm.

Deal Hospital Fete will raise cash to refurbish, update and equip a room that will become an intermediate care team (ICT) gym area.

This will enable inpatients on Elizabeth Ward and community ICT patients to come together. and allow health teams to discuss their patients’ progress, providing a supportive environment for staff learning and development.

Staff in uniform will be around the grounds to answer questions about services in the hospital and tell people what services are provided.

Mrs Bane added: “Come along and enjoy a fun afternoon and support Deal Hospital.”