FLUFFY CHECK-UP: From left, Miriam and Gideon Etherington and University of Newcastle Department of Rural Health medical student Jodie Parker get in a teddy bear check. Photo: Barry Smith 161012BSE05
KIDS will learn that doctors' visits are "bear-able" thanks to a novel initiative at St John's Anglican Church fete this weekend.
Medical students from the University of Newcastle Department of Rural Health will be on-hand to diagnose all that ails the bears of Tamworth, through a special teddy bear hospital.
With a sore paw here, or a quick heart check there, the initiative will serve a dual purpose giving medical students good bedside manners and teaching kids that hospitals and doctors' visits aren't to be feared.
Tiny Teddy biscuits will be dispensed as "medicine" and a hospital identification band will be issued to each patient.
St John's Reverend Peter Stavert says every child is welcome to bring along their favourite bear to be diagnosed.
But if you're lacking a bear to visit the hospital with you can get one at the fete, with hundreds of pre-loved plush animals looking for new homes.
The teddy bear hospital is one of many attractions at this year's fete, with food, antiques and collectables stalls and 20 tables of pre-loved books on offer.
Early-morning bargain hunters would be well advised to wait, however, Reverend Stavert jokingly said. The fete begins on the dot at 8.30am on Saturday.
"I ring a bell, say a prayer and off we go," he said.
This year, an emphasis has been placed on kids' entertainment, with a separate Kiddies' Corner, balloons, jumping castle and a puppet show.
The fete has been the major annual fundraiser for the church for the past 20 years, with last year's event raising $26,000 towards the day-to-day running of the church.
Organisers are hoping for a big turnout, with a crowd of 3000 showing up for last year's event.
