Like village fairs and fetes, ‘pound days’ were a staple of hospital fundraising prior to the NHS. On one day a year, members of the community were encouraged to donate pounds – either monetary (£) or in weight of goods (lbs) – to their local hospital.

All donations (and often donor names) would be reported in full in the hospital’s annual report. Examples of donated items include: eggs, jams, cakes, pyjamas for patients, fruit and vegetables, flowers, bread, Christmas decorations and presents. Contributions came from across the community: local residents, farmers, local businesses and tradespeople, schools and churches would all contribute.

This is an example of a poster for a Pound Day in aid of the Royal Sussex County Hospital.