Friends of North Walsham War Memorial Hospital

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Comedy seals civic hospital fundraising drive with a smile

15th June 2019 by Richard Batson

Stand-up comedy provided a fun finale to a year-long appeal helping a north Norfolk hospital support group.

North Walsham Hospital Friends
Performers, with Hal Cruttenden in the centre, and organisers of the Stand Up for North Walsham comedy night. Photo: Richard Batson

Top TV comic Hal Cruttenden headlined an evening of laughter that rounded off a civic fundraising drive in aid of the Friends of North Walsham War Memorial Hospital.

North Walsham Hospital Friends
Hal Cruttenden in full flow at the Stand Up for North Walsham comedy night. Photo: Richard Batson



The Stand Up for North Walsham night raised £615 for the Friends, who were outgoing mayor Barry Hester’s charity of the year.

The event, watched by a 150-strong audience at the Atrium, brought the total generated by the mayor for the Friends during his year of office to around £4200.

North Walsham Hospital Friends
Nelson Gombakomba during his spot at the Stand Up for North Walsham comedy night. Photo: Richard Batson

During the year other events ranged from shoe sales and market stalls to a trike and bike show and civic dinner.

Mr Hester said: “The comedy night came just after my year as mayor ended but it was a great way to finish the fundraising – with a new event for the town that people supported and enjoyed.”

Friends chairman Keith Jarvis added: “We are really grateful for Barry’s support during his year as mayor which has raised funds for, and awareness of, what we do.”

The Friends use public fundraising and donations to buy “extras” for the town’s popular hospital, ranging from a recent £22,000 day room revamp to Christmas presents for patients.

Headliner Hal, a well-known face on television’s Mock the Week and Have I Got News for You, combined his wry look at middle aged life with topical and political “rants”.

North Walsham Hospital Friends
Ross McGrane and Alexander Oliver have some banter during the Stand Up for North Walsham comedy night. Photo: Richard Batson

North Walsham Hospital Friends
Josh Ryan at the Stand Up for North Walsham comedy night. Photo: Richard Batson
North Walsham Hospital Friends
The audience settles down to watch the Stand Up for North Walsham comedy night at the Atrium. Photo: Richard Batson

He was supported by up-and-coming regional comedians Nelson Gombakomba, Josh Ryan, and Alexander Oliver, who also organised the line-up and compered the evening, plus Ross McGrane, who stepped in at the last moment for Phileo Huff, whose wife went into labour just hours before the event.



Filed Under: Events, Fundraising

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Chairman

Keith Jarvis
15 Primrose Close
Trunch NR28 0QH

Tel: 07788 889853

Secretary

Angela Batson
30 Beechlands Park
Southrepps NR11 8NT

Tel: 07775 557381

Treasurer

Carol Willgress
6 Rayna Loke
North Walsham, NR28 0FJ

Tel: 01692 402018

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© 2022 · Friends of North Walsham War Memorial Hospital, Yarmouth Road, North Walsham, Norfolk NR28 9AP. Tel: 01692 408000
Registered charity number 298857
Website by North Walsham Guide