GREAT Oaks Hospice in Coleford received a cheque for nearly £4,000 recently, following a garden party in the magnificent grounds of the Beeches in Cliffords Mesne, courtesy of Richard and Linda Dorman.

Spokesperson for the event, Ruth Wadley, said: “It was the brainchild of Richard Dorman and Andrew Marcham. Two hundred and fifty ticket holding guests were seated in an elaborate marquee to enjoy a lunch of roasted pig and barbequed chicken.

“Head chef Andrew Marcham, who donated the meats, was ably assisted by sous chefs Tim Fewell and John Gorse, while the guests were provided with a variety of salads prepared by village helpers.

“Strawberries and cream rounded off the lunch and much of the food was donated by local businesses and individuals too numerous to mention individually.”

Guests were also treated to live music and a display of birds of prey flying by Jemima Parry Jones of the International Centre for Birds of Prey.

“With a bar, a raffle and the auction of a number of varied items – expertly handled by John Weeden – the superb total of £9,299, including gift aid, was raised for Great Oaks and for Cancer Research UK,” Ruth added.