The owners of Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre at Monkton Heathfield hosted a charity dinner on November 10th and helped raised more than �3,000 for Parkinsons UK.

The owners of Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre at Monkton Heathfield hosted a charity dinner last Wednesday (November 10, 2010) and helped raised more than �3,000 for Parkinson's UK.

David and Luella Bellman arranged the three-course evening dinner with former British diplomat, Francis Cornish CMG, LVO* as guest speaker on Wednesday, November 10 in aid of Parkinson’s UK.

Norma Moore, General Manager of the independent, family-run garden centre, which is located at Monkton Heathfield between Bridgwater and Taunton, said: “Mrs Bellman has Parkinson’s, so she wanted to host an event to say ‘thank you’ to the charity for its help and support.

“Andrew Pitman, our Plant Manager organised it alongside Mr and Mrs Bellman and did an absolutely fantastic job. Sally Sparkes, our Restaurant Manager and her team laid on an excellent three-course meal that was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

“Parkinson’s UK is a very worthy cause and is close to all our hearts. It was a fabulous event and we are absolutely delighted to have raised more than �3,000 for the charity.”

Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre selected Parkinson’s UK as one of its charities of the year earlier in 2010.

Parkinson’s UK provides information and support for people suffering from Parkinson’s, their families and carers through its nationwide team. The charity has a branch in Taunton, which cares for people with Parkinson’s in the area.

Jean Almond, Regional Fundraiser for Parkinson's UK, said: “We are thrilled to receive this donation from Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre and would like to thank everyone involved for all of their support.”

The charity, which has been established for more than 40 years, aims to change attitudes, find a cure and improve life for everyone affected by Parkinson’s.

Norma added: “We’d like to thank the students of The Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre who provided the music and Francis for his wonderful speech."

“Francis has previously served as British Ambassador to Israel, Deputy Private Secretary to The Prince of Wales and officiated over the transfer of power of Hong Kong to the Chinese.”

During the evening the garden centre held a ‘leaf lottery’ for people to win some top gardening prizes. Guests were invited to buy leaves from an artificial fundraising tree for �5 each.

Norma continued: “Every leaf concealed on its underside the details of a prize worth much, much more than the raffle ticket.

“Our very generous suppliers put forward all the prizes and they included bird tables, garden furniture, plants, roses and vouchers for gardening and pet products and clothing.

“The prizes were fantastic and we’re extremely grateful to all our suppliers for kindly donating them.”

For more information, please call Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre, which is located just off the A38 at Monkton Heathfield between Bridgwater and Taunton, on 01823 412381 or visit http://www.monktonelmgardencentre.co.uk/.

http://www.parkinsons.org.uk/