Anstey Cot Parade – circa 1930s

Prior to the National Health Service being established in 1948, hospitals depended on funding and donations from the general public.

In Leicestershire, the parishes, including Anstey, played an important part in providing money and equipment.

As well as events such as concerts and tea parties, throughout the 1930s and 1940s Anstey held an annual Cot Parade to raise money.

Most of the village companies entered a float; many of them having separate floats for each department, which led to much rivalry.

There were also family and individual groups. The Anstey Town Band and the Cot Beauty Queen and her attendants completed the parade.

As a result of these efforts, Anstey was able to endow 3 beds and a cot to Leicester Royal Infirmary, as well as help maintain them.

A plaque, placed at the hospital, to recognise this achievement, remained until the oldest parts of the site were demolished.