HATS and flags are poised as the Ipswich St Raphael Club gets ready to celebrate the Queen's jubilee in style.They are the lucky winners of one of the £500 grants given away by the Evening Star and British Gas.

By VICTORIA KNOWLES

victoria.knowles@eveningstar.co.uk

HATS and flags are poised as the Ipswich St Raphael Club gets ready to celebrate the Queen's jubilee in style.

They are the lucky winners of one of the £500 grants given away by The Evening Star and British Gas.

Sue Groom is the development manager at the club, based in Highfield Road, Ipswich. She said they were all looking forward to a great knees up.

"I screamed down the phone when I heard we had been picked because it means such a lot to us. It will make the difference between a good party and a great party. Hopefully we will be able to give everybody a memento of this special day.

"Already people are making hats and covering wine bottles. Everyone here really enjoys a good party and it should be one to remember," she said.

"It is also great for our members as it gives them great stimulation and something to get involved with," she added.

Outside the club premises a huge table is covered with brightly coloured hats and wine bottles covered in the Union Jacks ready for the big day. They will be dining on coronation chicken and King Edward potatoes and singing old favourites, including Rule Britannia.

The people who use the club suffer from a range of disabilities and many find it difficult to get out and about without the club. It is open for everyone from any age and with any physical disability.

Sally Steward, 65, has been a member of the club for about 16 years.

"I am really looking forward the party. I do not get out very much so this will be good fun. I am also helping the children in my area to organise something and I am making a few things for them," she said.

Phyl Everingham, 89, is registered blind and can remember the celebrations 50 years ago.

"I can remember the street parties and everybody joining in the first time around. I am a fan of the Queen and I will be looking forward to helping her celebrate.

"I have already bought my party dress and I am really in to fashion because I used to manage a dress shop.

"I already knit teddy bears to send to the orphans in Romania and making the hats and others things is great for me as it gives me something to do," she said.

Their party will be held on June 4 and if the weather holds up it will be outside with a barbecue.

They have invited many of the groups and organisations who have helped them through the years including pupils from Westbourne High School who make regular visits to the group to offer help.