MORE THAN 150 people gathered to celebrate the diamond jubilee of the Petersfield branch of Save the Children.
The charity raises money to help children at home and abroad and the Petersfield branch was launched in 1957, being now one of the oldest branches in the country.
A branch spokesman said: “It is also the number one fundraising branch in the UK, which is amazing for a small town, and it is entirely thanks to the dedication and support of the volunteers.”
Branch chairman Pru Rushmer added: “Recently we have raised about £40,000 a year, although one year we raised £80,000.
“But none of it would be possible without the volunteers, their help and commitment is amazing, and I would like to give my heartfelt thanks to them – without you, there would be no us.”
To celebrate the jubilee, branch committee members, volunteers and guests from the national charity, gathered in the Tithe Barn at Ditcham for a champagne and finger buffet reception.
Music was provided by the popular Petersfield Ukelele Band.
The volunteers range in age from ten years old to 92, and the guests included Petersfield’s mayor, sponsors, and other organisation and companies which have helped, sponsored or donated to the charity.
These include Bedales, Churcher’s College, Petersfield Air Cadets, the Round Table, Liss Scouts, and companies including Contract Candles, of Fernhurst, John Jenkins, of Nyewood, and Littlejohn Bathrooms and Arnolds opticians, both of Petersfield.
In a congratulatory letter Save the Children chief executive officer Kevin Wilkins said: “I would like to say a huge thank you, and be as proud as we are in everything you have achieved.”
The party also honoured long serving branch member Prue Scurfield who earlier that day, Monday, September 11, was presented with a British Empire Medal at a ceremony in Winchester, awarded to her by The Queen for her charity work.