THERE was sunshine at last, just in time to bring the crowds out for events organised to raise money for hospices in the Ipswich area over the weekend.

THERE was sunshine at last, just in time to bring the crowds out for events organised to raise money for hospices in the Ipswich area over the weekend.

In Harkstead, the Baker's Arms hosted a day of music and real ale, in aid of St Elizabeth Hospice.

Bands which took to the stage to entertain the crowds as they quenched their thirst from fourteen cask beers included punk-folk six-piece Whiskey Chaser and self-described 'silver foxes' The Git Band.

Landlady Maria Leach said: “We had a fantastic day, the weather really helped - I think just about everyone from the village turned up at some point.

“The bands were fantastic. Everyone enjoyed them and it would be too hard to pick a favourite because they all went down so well.

“I think we raised about £500 for the hospice and the collection boxes are still out so hopefully that will go up.”

The hospice will also benefit from a fun day held at the Inkerman pub on Norwich Road, Ipswich.

Manager Paul Kep said: “We are celebrating because it is one year since the licensees - Christian Ross and Peter Caley - took over the pub.

“One of our regulars suggested supporting St Elizabeth Hospice and we all thought it was a great idea.”

As part of the fun and games, Peter, a lifelong Ipswich Town fan wore a Norwich shirt and Paul, who supports Tottenham, wore the shirt of their arch-rivals, Arsenal.

They each raised around £100 in sponsorship and that total rose thanks to money collected from a sponsored head-shave by Alan Muncy, as well as other events including a bucking bronco and bungee-run.

And at the Milestone pub in Woodbridge Road, Ipswich, bikers from around the region gathered for a motorcycle meet in aid of Ipswich children's hospice.

Landlady Michelle Taft said: “It was our second bike show of the year, we supported St Elizabeth Hospice in May and in the summer we organise an event for the children's hospice.

“We had everything from trikes to classics to custom bikes and more. There was a really good turnout.”

Are you organising an event to raise money for charity? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.