BLAZING sunshine greeted guests at a special garden party to celebrate the Queen's golden jubilee and raise funds – that totted up as heartwarming sum!Organised by the Royal British Legion, all proceeds went for the Ipswich World War II Memorial Fund to extend the memorial in Christchurch Park, a cause championed by the Evening Star.

By Georgina James

BLAZING sunshine greeted guests at a special garden party to celebrate the Queen's golden jubilee and raise funds.

Organised by the Royal British Legion, all proceeds went for the Ipswich World War Two Memorial Fund to extend the memorial in Christchurch Park, a cause championed by The Evening Star.

There was plenty of fun and activities to ensure the day went well. Games, raffles, refreshments and a live orchestra were held at the home of Royal British Legion Ipswich branch secretary, Peter Thompson, and raised the sum of £1,700.

Reg Driver, president of the Royal British Legion Ipswich branch, said: "It was a perfect afternoon and the event was very well attended.

"The garden was very colourful and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. We are very grateful to all those who attended and helped us raise money for the extension to the war memorial."

Ipswich mayor, Richard Risebrow, opened the festivities and inspected the guard and standard bearers before a sunset ceremony featuring TS Orwell Sea Cadets and the Air Training Corps.

Organiser Peter Thompson, said: "We are extremely grateful for the support from the borough council who loaned us a lot of equipment.

"Without their help we would not have been able to put on such a marvellous party."

So far £53,000 has been raised. Initially it had been hoped that £250,000 could be raised but the plans had to be scaled down.

"We have now set ourselves a target of £100,000," explained Mr Thompson. "Our plans are to raise the memorial wall so the 595 names of the local men who died in the Second World War can be added and be with those that died in the First World War."

If you would like to contribute to the appeal, please send cheques made payable to The Ipswich World War Two Memorial Fund, c/o The Royal British Legion, St Margaret's Green, Ipswich.

WEBLINK

www.britishlegion.org.uk