Dutton Cup continues to raise funds for Midhurst Community Hospital

The contest has taken place since 1965 when the inaugural tournament was won by the stoolballers of Lurgashall.

It is held in aid of Midhurst Community Hospital and this year the Friends have unveiled some of the equipment bought with donations.

The Midhurst Cottage Hospital League of Friends, which later became the Community Hospital Friends was founded in 1956 by Rotarian Richard Dutton who later donated the cup to the Midhurst Stoolball Club based on the Midhurst Sports Association Ground which hosts the competition.

Pattie Crisp is a long standing trustee of the friends and presents the cup to the winning stoolball team.

She said: “For the last six years the money raised has been designated for a specific piece of equipment. It has mostly been raised by stoolballers collecting raffles prizes from Midhurst businesses who support them very generously. It has enabled the Friends to provide for the hospital recently, a weighing chair (pictured) a machine for measuring blood for those on anticoalugation medicines and two television for side rooms at the hospital.

“The Friends are most grateful to the Midhurst Stoolball Club and all the players from all the clubs for their support.”

The competition was won this year by Stedham with Northchapel runners up and £531 was raised.

Pictured left is Molly Etherington president of the club who has been involved with the cup competition for many years, Pattie Crisp, centre and right ward manager Anita Hartung.

Midhurst Stoolball Club is always on the look out for new players and anyone interested should contact chairman Carol Lintott at [email protected]