Demon barber stars at Bognor Regis hospital

The demon barber offered haircuts to anyone brave enough to venture into his barber’s chair at the annual event at the war memorial hospital. Any takers needed nerves of steel with a pie stall right next door to give them a reminder of the fate of some of Sweeney’s unfortunate customers. The inventive fundraising idea of Ian Habben and Jo Thomas as the bloodthirsty barber and assistant Mrs Miggins helped to make the fete by the Friends of Bognor Hospital a success. Friends’ fundraising co-ordinator Anita Sturdey said the profit from the major fundraising event of the year was £4,300. “This is slightly less than last year but still a great figure,” she said. “We were very busy right from the start but the number of visitors tailed off midway through unfortunately. “Perhaps the Birdmen and the Olympics drew the crowds away.” Another new attraction for many was a Tuck Shop to go alongside the usual goodies to eat such as cream teas and a barbecue. Anita said: “Music was provided by Chichester Hospital Radio and Sylvia McEwen, which made for a great atmosphere. “For the younger visitors, the magic show and children’s entertainers kept the laughs coming.” The attractions at the fete in the hospital’s grounds on Shripney Road also included tombolas, country produce, cakes, toys, books and bric-a-brac to add to the enjoyment of everyone who went along. The volunteers who run the Friends are already looking forward to 2013. It will be the charity’s diamond jubilee. Plenty of fundraising and celebrations are likely to raise the Friends’ profile and counter dwindling membership numbers to ensure it can continue to provide equipment and services for the hospital’s patients.