'Summer Garden Party Success'

What better way to spend a sunny Sunday afternoon than relaxing in the grounds of Westoe Hall, listening to the smooth sound of the Customs House Community Big Band, eating a cream tea, and being entertained by a top class magician?

David Miliband MP hosted a garden party in the beautiful surroundings of Westoe Hall to raise funds for the 2004/5 Election Campaign attended by Labour party members and friends.

Cream teas, gateaux, fairy cakes and sandwiches were donated by Labour supporters to provide an impressive spread, served at tables on the lawn.
Magician Paul Lyton wandered from table to table astounding and amazing with a combination of cheeky magic tricks and startling illusions.

The afternoon was rounded off with Ray Spencer of the Customs House making an impressive debut as an auctioneer, inspiring the bidding for a number of generously donated prizes including tickets to see Sunderland United with a signed strip, books signed by Tony Blair and Lord Puttnam, original artworks donted by local artists Jack Grasby and Bob Olley, and an Emmerdale All Stars Sports kit, signed by the afternoon's star guest, John Middleton, better known as Emmerdale's vicar Ashley.

David Miliband MP said

"This has been an excellent afternoon, which I hope everyone has enjoyed. I would like to say thank you to everyone who donated such generous auction items, to everyone who donated the fantastic spread of food, and to everyone who generously donated their time and hard work to make this fundraising event truly enjoyable and a great success."