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Fundraiser wine theft blow

Seriously ill children and breast cancer sufferers will be the eventual losers after thieves took £500 worth of wine from a charity event.

Members of Newent Round Table were hours from staging a casino fundraising night at Highnam Court on Saturday when they discovered the theft had taken place.

Eighty bottles of Australian red wine, meant to oil the wheels of the charity event, were stolen in the raid from a Round Table member's house.

Howard Webber, chairman of Newent Round Table, said: "The theft was only discovered about three hours before the event.

"We lost approximately £500 worth of quality wine.

"When I first heard the news I though it was a wind-up. But when I realised this was serious I just grabbed my cheque book and headed off to Gloucester to find some replacement stock.

"Until the theft was discovered we were hoping to raise £1,000 for charity.

"I just hope that our insurance will cover our losses.

" It was too late to cancel the event, although the cost of having to fork out for a new supply of wine ate into the £1,000 target the members were hoping to reach on the night.

Money was being raised for a breast cancer charity and Children's Wish, which provides holidays for seriously or terminally ill youngsters.

However, Mr Webber said he could not thank enough the generosity of the 100-plus people who turned up to support the event.

"We were trying to raise £1,000. We did raise some money, although it was not what we were looking for," he said.

"Obviously we mentioned the theft to the people there. But they just said ‘Don't worry, we will support you'.

"The atmosphere was tremendous, nevertheless. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to everyone who supported the event. Their generosity was greatly appreciated."

People travelled from as far afield as Gatwick and Nottingham to join in the fun and the casino night could become an annual event on the group's fundraising calendar.

Anyone who knows anything about the theft of wine should call the police on 01452 521 201, Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or Mr Webber on 07931 848 710.

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Last modified by Webmaster on 21 August 2001

CASINO NIGHT BLOW