A FUNDRAISING event for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity will be held on the lawns at Downes House, Crediton on Sunday, September 12.

Regional Assistant, Philip Hutchens is organising the "Picnic at Downes" event, which will also feature music by "Sounds of Brass", who will play old classics and modern pieces.

"Sounds of Brass" comprises former military musicians, who play with a wonderful sound!

Those attending are advised to take picnics, rugs, chairs and listen to the music whilst enjoying the lovely views over the Yeo valley.

Tickets are £15 and include a drink on arrival, under 15’s free.

For each ticket bought, one entry will be made to a prize draw to win a picnic box for two, courtesy of Bernaville Nurseries.

The ticket will be drawn one week before the event and the winner notified. Please note that all tickets purchased after Friday, September 3 will not be included in this draw.

There will be free parking at Downes House and gates open at 2pm, with the concert starting at 2.30pm and finishing at 5pm.

Those attending can also order a picnic box for two directly from Bernaville Nurseries for the event and the picnic box will be delivered direct to Downes House for collection on arrival. (Please note the picnic box does not include drinks.) For every picnic box sold, 10 per cent will be donated to the charity, please enter the coupon code (CHARITY10). Click on the link to order your picnic box: https://bernaville.co.uk/product/picnic-box-for-2/ .

Tickets for Picnic at Downes are also available on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/picnic-at-downes-tickets-161630058857 or from ABF the Soldiers’ Charity, Wyvern Barracks, Exeter, EX2 6AR on 01392 496412. Payment by BACs or cheque only.

ABF The Soldiers’ Charity is the national charity of the British Army, providing a lifetime of support to soldiers, veterans and their immediate families when they are in need.

It was founded in 1944 to ensure that soldiers returning from World War Two were well cared for. Since then, the welfare of soldiers, past and present, and their families has been at the heart of everything the charity does.

The charity helps with the everyday things which may not be exciting, but are life-changing to beneficiaries such as support with care home fees, training courses or home adaptations.

The charity provides independence and dignity for every soldier and veteran it can, which is something of which it is incredibly proud.

If needs be, the charity can provide vital help within 48 hours. It has supported individuals aged from nine months to 105 years. It is The Soldiers’ Charity: "For Soldiers – For Life".

The South West Region of ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, covers Gloucestershire, Bristol, Wiltshire, Somerset, Dorset, Devon, Cornwall, and the Channel Islands and the "Picnic at Downes" is being organised by Regional Assistant, Philip Hutchens.