A Fairfield Hospital celebration day, celebrating 150 years of the Three Counties Asylum, was held on 20th June 2010 at the Stotfold Memorial Hall. After eight months of planning, the celebration day was a great success with hundreds of visitors.
People who had not seen each other for years had emotional reunions, enjoyed the packed info/display board, and many people sang along to the songs that Radio Fairfield broadcast in the hall. Special guest Sir Stanley O'Dell gave a very moving speech from the stage.
Derek Wheeler's Victorian fire engine was a great attraction as it sat in the car park puffing steam and smoke to entertain the visitors. The Bedford Museum and Records Office displays were very busy throughout the day, and its staff were very happy with the turn out of people who showed an interest in their services.
A very early start for the organisers. These photos show them setting up. Barney Bear, the Radio Fairfield Station Manager, watches from the stage.
Lydia Saul and other staff from the Bedford Museum setting up their display of Fairfield Hospital artefacts.
Neil Whiteside, Barney Bear, Pete Rees, Nick Angove, and Paul Barham from Radio Fairfield.
DJ Neil Whiteside starts the day and tests the digital system.
A few very early visitors.
A few more visitors.
Getting very busy!
Neil Whiteside entertains the crowd with Radio Sunshine.
DJs Neil Whiteside, Gary Lee, Nick Angove, Pete Rees and Paul Barham. This team had not been together since Fairfield Radio shut down in 1991.
Paul Barham and Pete Rees
A view of the hall from the stage.
Ron Spooner from the Fairfield Bowls club.
Ex Fairfield Hospital staff Teresa and Alan, and an Australian guest.
Ex staff members Steve Whitmill and Trevor Jones.
Face painted children.
Richard Knight gives a short speech, then hands the microphone to Sir Stanley O’Dell, ex-chairman of the South Bedfordshire Community Healthcare Trust.
At the end of the day Neil and Ros draw the raffle.
Callum and Derek kept the steam coming all day.
