THERE is still time to get involved in the special ten-pin bowling night in aid of the memorial for murdered schoolgirl Vicky Hall – but entries must be in soon.

By Richard Cornwell

THERE is still time to get involved in the special ten-pin bowling night in aid of the memorial for murdered schoolgirl Vicky Hall – but entries must be in soon.

Organisers of the fundraising event have been "bowled over" by the tremendous response so far and those who have put their names down for a lane are looking forward to a great night out.

They are also hoping to strike it lucky with their sponsorship – and push the appeal for a memorial to Vicky closer to its completion.

Organiser Ben Collins said: "There are still some time-slots available for teams wanting to take part and it would be brilliant if we could fill them all up.

"The idea is to raise money for the appeal to build a memorial to Vicky, but also for people to have a lot of fun doing so."

A number of local companies are supporting the event and are putting in teams – one Felixstowe shipping firm is sending five teams to take part.

Forty teams are needed for the evening, which is being staged on March 14 at the Kingpin Bowling Centre at Martlesham Heath.

Teams can be formed by groups of friends or neighbours, from clubs and societies, or work colleagues – all it takes is a group of four to six people who enjoy bowling.

The event is being organised by the Evening Star and Kingpin, whose owner Geoff Sheldrake came up with the idea and is giving his complex for free. It is hoped to raise thousands of pounds for the Vicky Hall Memorial Fund.

The bowling will take place in two time slots – 5.30pm and 6.30pm – and 20 teams are needed for each.

Each teams pays £20 to enter. They then seek sponsored individually from friends and relatives – either per pin, per strike or simply a donation.

People wanting to take part should book their place in the line-up by filling in the form on this page. They will then receive sponsorship forms. Further details are available from Ben Collins on 01473 282298 or Katie Chittock on 01473 282336.

The Evening Star is backing the latest fundraising drive to raise the final £20,000 which will mean the trust seeking to build a memorial to sixth form student Vicky can go to the National Lottery for help.

The trust behind the fund wants to build a facility for children in Vicky's home village of Trimley St Mary – a brand new sports pavilion to be used by young footballers and for small community events.

Her parents Graham and Lorinda are right behind the project, which will be a lasting memorial to their much-loved daughter who was snatched so cruelly from them and killed after she walked home from a Felixstowe nightclub in 1999.

The pavilion, which will be constructed on the Stennetts Memorial Playing Field, is set to cost around £200,000.

n People can support the appeal by sending donations. Cheques should be made payable to the Vicky Hall Memorial Fund and sent to Geraldine Thompson, editor's secretary, Evening Star, Press House, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 1AN.

If you are holding a fundraising event or sponsored activities for the appeal, let us know – and we will help you in any way we can. Please contact Richard Cornwell, Felixstowe Newsdesk on 01394 284109.