FAIRBOURNE flew the flag for the NHS at a celebration for its 73rd birthday.
The village came together to celebrate 73 years of the NHS with a parade through the village and a flag to thank healthcare workers.
The event, organised by residents Joyce Woolley and Ellie Coward, included the ringing of church bells in the morning and a collection for NHS charities.
Joyce said: “Fairbourne celebrated our NHS’s 73rd birthday on 5 July in style.
“In the morning at 11am, the NHS healthcare and key workers’ flag was raised to the peal of St Cynon’s bell on Fairbourne’s brand new flagpole.
“Later in the afternoon parents, children and some of the older members of the community assembled, beautifully disguised as superheroes, princesses, hula and disco dancers and some dressed as bananas to do a Wakey, Wakey Walk.
“They set off around the village playing an assortment of ‘musical’ instruments!
“We made as much noise as we possibly could and did a circuit of the village.
“With ears ringing, the walkers returned to Cath’s Deli for a delicious tea.”
Joyce said the event was “unifying” and brought the village together in celebration.
“A letter sent everywhere about the anniversary of the NHS prompted us to do something to celebrate,” Joyce explained.
“It was organised to mark the 73rd birthday but also to celebrate key workers and all health workers after the time we have had with Covid.
“Here in Fairbourne we decided to have a walk to encourage everyone to get together.
“More than 50 people took part in the event, with people joining in on the way around the village.
“It was great to raise money but it was also great for community spirit after the time we’ve all had with Covid.
“It was very unifying.”
Joyce added: “Many thanks to the generosity of residents, supporters and friends who have so far raised £315 towards NHS charities.”
The flag raised on the day “will fly there for a while” until it is replaced by a brand new banner.
Joyce said: “We are going to ask residents to design a flag for Fairbourne and people can vote for their favourite which will be made into a proper flag and flown from the new flagpole.”