Saving Atkinson Morley's Hospital Green Space
 and Working for a Greener London

Click on an image to see enlarged version

Arrival of Mr. Atkinson Morley and Queen Victoria

Plant stall and Human Fruit Machine

Food stalls

Beer 'n Burgers

Hot air balloon; guess the weight of the cake;           Lolly Polly

Music

Morris dancers
 

Auction and raffle

Period
photographer

  Around two thousand people turned out
on Sunday 15th June to enjoy the bright sunshine and traditional entertainments at the Fair held on the hospital's 17 acres of open land.

The event was organised by Jane Barnes, who worked tirelessly on behalf of Lung to co-ordinate the efforts of a large team of scouts, musicians and many volunteers to make the day a great success.

The Victorian theme created a link with the hospital's history. The surrounding woodlands and sweet smell of freshly-mown hay in the fields created a nostalgically rural atmosphere.

 Mr. Atkinson Morley and Queen Victoria arrived at the field in grand style at noon in Mr. Rabagliati's red Morgan carriage festooned with union flags. The guest celebrities were represented by actors Henry Goodman (Royal Shakespeare Company) and Joan Ware.

Speeches by Mr. Atkinson Morley and the Queen emphasised the importance of retaining green spaces to provide fresh air, exercise and relaxation to offset the stresses of city life. They praised the campaign to create a public park on the open land.

The fair then continued with the launch of an 80-ft high hot air balloon, giving passengers a splendid view over the surrounding area.

There were lots of games including a human fruit machine, coconut shy, lolly polly, giant bagatelle, tug of war and children's races. There were also stalls selling plants, crafts, and a variety of savouries, cakes, ices and Victorian sweets. The beer tent was also popular on such a hot day!

Other entertainments included Morris dancers, an auction, a raffle and period portraits in authentic costume by photographer Victoria Carew Hunt

The book stall included book signings by well-known local historian Richard Milward, and Kate Hayward who wrote a biography of Atkinson Morley.

Great music was provided throughout the afternoon by: harpist Ruth Holden; the Wimbledon Chamber Choir; and a string quartet (Mary Sandbrook, Thelma Patterson, Amber Bonham Carter, and Andy Coleman)

The Fair was a great financial success too, raising around £2,700 profit which will be ploughed back into the campaign. Click here for newspaper coverage.

Thank you to one and all for your support!

Photos:
All photos in the collages on this page have reproduced with the kind permission of Victoria Carew Hunt. To order professional quality prints of any individual photo please email: jbarnes@amhlung.org.uk