AN EVENT to raise urgently needed funds for Oak and Furrows Wildlife Rescue Centre is just 30 tickets short of its bid to achieve an audience of 150.

The event on Saturday, March 4, includes top entertainer Pam Ayres, an auction that will include the first acoustic guitar of Ian Anderson, leader of rock band Jethro Tull, a bronze owl sculpted by renowned artist Adam Binder, and a whole host of items from paintings to a holiday to two days teaching at a mosaics art school.

Pam, Ian and Adam are patrons of the charity, which is situated at the Blakehill Nature Reserve near Cricklade.

The auction will be conducted by Philip Allwood, of Moore, Allen and Innocent who regularly appears on the BBC’s Bargain Hunt, while well known women’s quartet The Sapphires will play music from Bach to the Beatles.

Singer/songwriter Leon Daye will perform and songs including new offerings from his forthcoming CD. the evening will include an excellent buffet to suit all food requirements, plus buck’s fizz or fruit juice on arrival.

“It promises to be a fantastic night and we hope to hit the attendance target. Indeed, the venue at the former Four Pillars Hotel on South Cerney spine road could entertain 200 and if we achieved that figure it would be staggering”, said Robin Thompson, chairman of the Oak and Furrows trustees.

“The money is desperately needed because in the past year the number of ‘patients’ was over 4,300, some 1,500 more than ever before.

"Additionally a large number of rescued baby hedgehogs will remain at the centre until they reach the right weight for their age and the weather is appropriate for their return to the towns, villages, woods and fields from which many were rescued.

“I would urgently appeal to everyone with a love of wildlife to consider what we believe will be a great event, created by some marvellous people to help us through this difficult time.”

Tickets are available now from Chrissy Ball by calling 01793 751412.