Garden party goes off with a bang...

A GARDEN party attended by one of the Queen s representatives has raised �1500 for a children s charity. Deputy Lieutenant for Essex, Michael Chapman, who is a Dunmow lawyer, was invited to open the floral get-together and help raise money for Accuro, a c

A GARDEN party attended by one of the Queen's representatives has raised �1500 for a children's charity.

Deputy Lieutenant for Essex, Michael Chapman, who is a Dunmow lawyer, was invited to open the floral get-together and help raise money for Accuro, a charity supporting children with physical or mental disabilities and their families.

Mr Chapman said: "I was greeted and protected by a crack company of musketeers from the Duke of Wellington's army.

"Among the attractions was the opportunity to fire a musket using small horse chestnuts as shots, it was a lot of fun and a great day."

A beautiful garden in Aythorpe Roding provided the location and the party was hosted by organisers Peter and Thea Boshier. Money was raised via a host stalls ranging from refreshments to card tricks to edible treats such as chocolate-dipped strawberries.

Mr Chapman was appointed as one of many deputy lieutenants for the county in 2008. He is deputy to the lord lieutenant who is a personal representative for the Queen in Essex.