UNCERTAINTY over the future of Dean hospital provision cast its shadow over the Dilke Fun Day on Saturday, June 9, according to organisers.

Friends of the Dilke treasurer, Sue Young, said: “The event went very well, all things considered, but we didn’t have as many people as we have had in the past.

“We think it’s because of all the uncertainty, but we still had a very good day.

“We had a lovely couple of guys playing the steel drums and doing limbo activities.

“We also had archery, a circus skills workshop, which the children loved, and a few stalls, but not as many as in previous years.

“We didn’t make as much money as we usually do and we had more outlay than normal and we just can’t say what we’ll spend the money on yet as

we don’t know.

“The uncertainty over the Dilke and Lydney Hospitals closing and over the location of the new hospital mean we’re not getting very many donations in at the moment.

“We are probably spending some of our funds soon though – we’re waiting to talk to the hospital staff about it.

“Thanks should be given to Severn Dean Lions Club, the Forest of Dean Rotary Club and anyone who kindly donated or helped in any way, and of course our faithful supporters.”

A decision on where the new hospital will be built is expected at the end of July.

“But it’s been put off once,” Sue added, “so we’ll have to wait and see. People will either support it or not, depending on where it is.

“Whether we continuee to fundraise and offer support will be something we have to decide for ourselves as a committee.”