Throughout 2017 we are backing a campaign by Wiltshire Air Ambulance to raise the remaining £1.25m needed to complete its new airbase.

THE exclusive club for businesses that pledge to raise £10,000 for Wiltshire Air Ambulance's new airbase is being backed by a popular garden centre.

A series of events to raise the amount pledged has been organised by Wiltshire Air Ambulance 100 Club members Jonathan and Alison Sinclair, the owners of Lowden Garden Centre, near Melksham.

The first was on May 20 when 120 people enjoyed an evening of Spanish guitar music and dinner.

Internationally renowned classical guitarist John Mill and his wife Cobie Smit gave an enchanting performance which was complemented by a Spanish-themed dinner.

On Saturday there will be a charity summer dinner and auction in the centre’s marquee, with a champagne reception, three-course dinner and live jazz band.

Auction lots include a stay at Tomjachu Bush Lodge in South Africa, a private tour of Highgrove gardens, donated by Wiltshire Air Ambulance patron The Duchess of Cornwall and a Parker coat and leather boots from Juicy Couture.

On November 17 and 18 Lowden will kickstart Christmas with a bazaar, when the marquee will be filled with stands selling food, Christmas decorations, gifts, toys and home interiors.

Valerie Whistler, the partnership’s co-ordinator at Wiltshire Air Ambulance, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Lowden Garden Centre has chosen to support Wiltshire Air Ambulance Airbase Appeal by joining the 100 Club.

“The Spanish guitar evening was wonderful and we are looking forward to attending the other events planned. We still need to raise nearly £1m to complete our new airbase in Semington so we encourage everyone to support Wiltshire Air Ambulance and Lowden Garden Centre by come along.”

Tickets for the dinner and auction are £45 from 01225 702345 or www.lowdengardencentre.com

Other events planned to raise funds for the Appeal include Scott Welsby bringing The Ultimate Garth Brooks Experience to Trowbridge Civic Centre on Friday, starting at 7.30pm. and includes an auction. For tickets go to www.trowbridgecivic.co.uk

WAA has 20 places available in the Swindon Half Marathon on Sunday, September 3. The half marathon has a new route this year through the town centre. Entry is £20 and each WAA runner has to raise at least £175 for the Airbase Appeal. Email kenresa@wiltshireairambulance.co.uk.

For more information about the Airbase Appeal call the charity team on 01380 739453 or visit www.wiltshireairbaseappeal.co.uk/support-our-appeal/get-fundraising/

To donate to the Airbase Appeal text BASE17 and the amount you would like to donate to 70070, mail hello@wiltshireairambulance.co.uk or call 01380 739453.