Blockley event raises at least £5,800 for Help for Heroes (From Cotswold Journal)

Blockley event raises at least £5,800 for Help for Heroes

11:09am Tuesday 7th July 2009

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NEARLY 90 people helped Blockley’s Wendy and Barry Dare generate at least £5,800 for a charity that fundraises to improve rehabilitation facilities for Britain’s wounded armed forces personnel.

They attended a performance by the Corps of Drums from the Royal Marine Band, which the Dares hosted at their Mill Dene Garden in the village in aid of Help for Heroes.

The Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire was in the audience that saw the band perform Mess Beatings around the mill pond.

The Dares’ son, Major Cliff Dare, held an auction of gifts that raised £2,115.

A tour of London’s Olympic site, Cheltenham Races tickets, Help for Heroes roses, two walking sticks carved by local man Norris Hancox and a Help for Heroes cook book signed by Jilly Cooper were the most popular lots.

The audience also enjoyed a speech from ‘Desert Rat’, Major General Patrick Cordingley DSO, which was funny but also emphasised why Help for Heroes must raise money for improved facilities.

The Dares were delighted by the response from local businesses: Budgens donated the wine and champagne, Hook Norton Brewery the beer and Sarah Righton the beef.

They do not yet know the final total they have raised as money is still being received.

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