Our party's on - and that's final!

The Manorlands Garden Party at Oxenhope has been put back a week in case England get to the World Cup final on Sunday, July 12.

But in planning the event for the following Sunday the organisers have been unable to find a brass band to play during the day - a traditional feature of the Sue Ryder charity event which has been going about ten years.

A spokesman for the group said: "We thought it was better to put the event back a week so it didn't clash with the final.

"If England do get through, attendance at the party could be hit hard.

"But unfortunately we are having difficulty finding a brass band to play.

"The people we have approached are all on holiday. So we are desperate for someone to step forward."

He said the band would be expected to play an intervals throughout the afternoon, but organisers were more than willing to negotiate at any group's convenience.

The event, which is the biggest single fundraiser for the Sue Ryder home, starts at 1pm and runs until about 4.30pm.

The Sue Ryder Home at Manorlands costs about £1 million a year to run.

A third is granted by the health authority, a second third comes from legacies and the remainder has to be found by fundraising.

The garden party, which attracts hundreds of people to the Manorlands grounds, usually provides about £18,000 towards the funds.

Anyone who can help arrange a brass band is urged to telephone (01274) 573752 and speak to Dave Wood or Dave Gott.

Meanwhile, organisers of a Charity Ball are hoping to raise thousands of pounds to help. The Manorlands Spring Ball, sponsored by Low Moor chemical company Allied Colloids, will be held at the Penington Midland Hotel in Bradford on May 8.

All proceeds will go to the Manorlands Hospice.

Organisers say the ball should be a fantastic event and those attending can enjoy a meal, a band and live entertainment on the night.

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