An annual event attended by Stowmarket and the Woodbridge branches is an Open Garden event at The Barn in Westleton, created by Amedee Turner, which raised £923.76. Totalling around 13.5 acres, it is filled with charming eccentricity, featuring a life-size Mycenaean Palace, a replica of the original Stonehenge and a memorial cross made from girders from the Twin Towers in New York. The beautiful front garden is also a work of art and was designed by Mr Turner’s daughter-in-law, Sue Townsend, a renowned landscape gardener.
A Tesco collection raised just shy of £1,500 and there are regular collections at East of England Co-op in Woodbridge, who also generously donate tea, coffee and supplies for the Open Garden event. Flag Day is always well supported and volunteer collectors were dotted along the Thoroughfare, raising £879.69.
The Charity Card Shop in the Thoroughfare was once again very well organised by Roger Parker of Woodbridge 41 Club, and the branch were delighted to sell around £4,100 of RNLI cards and calendars.
Tony Wilman, Chairman of RNLI Woodbridge commented “I would like to thank all of the establishments and businesses who have collection boxes, as well as East of England Co-op, Deben Yacht Club and Haven Ports Yacht Club, for all being fantastic supporters.
Thank you to everyone that donated and to those who continue to show such generosity for the charity who save lives at sea. Finally, thank you to my fellow committee members and our trusty team of volunteers who make this possible.”
Upcoming local RNLI events include a collection at Notcutts on 15th April, a quiz at DYC on 22nd April and a street collection in Framlingham in May. The branch will also have a presence at the Suffolk Show and a stand at Woodbridge Regatta in June.
For more information, or if you would like to sign up to volunteer, visit http://www.rnliwoodbridge.org.uk/ or contact Tony Wilman on 01394 387173.
