The Foresters, on Victoria Road in Horley, has raised nearly £500 to contribute to the extension of the Neonatal Unit at East Surrey Hospital. The pub hosted ‘Dance through the Decades’ themed party to raise the funds ahead of its closure for refurbishment earlier this month.
Deputy Manager, Jack Turner, was the brains behind the event, putting together a raffle and other games, like ‘Guess the Sweets in the Jar’ to raise money for the project.
Jack said: “It was a really great night. We encouraged customers to come in fancy dress, so that really added to the vintage vibe throughout the evening. Everyone was really generous when it came to our fundraising initiative too – I think because we were raising money for something so important to our community, it was a cause that people felt they could really get behind.
“There are 4,500 babies born to local families at the East Surrey Hospital every year, and around one in ten of them are born prematurely or require intensive care. The hospital’s new neonatal unit will allow our doctors, nurses and unit staff to give even better care to those babies and their families.”
The Foresters reopened to the public yesterday, Sunday 24th November, after a £150,000 investment that will see the inclusion of a number of extra ‘sports’ booths. These are all complete with their own televisions that customers can tune in themselves, ensuring they catch all the latest sporting fixtures. The pub will be hosting a launch party on Friday 29th November, when it will be giving away a glass of fizz to its first 100 customers, as well as treating them to a night of tunes from resident DJ, DJ Nick Hilson.
Jack’s fundraiser was part of his participation in Stonegate Pub Company’s ‘Accelerator Programme’. The course is part of its award-winning development programme, designed to give staff the skills and knowledge they need to succeed and proceed within the company. When he graduates in early December, he will be eligible for a management role.
The Foresters, 88 Victoria Road, Horley RH6 7AB