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CBS donates funds to air ambulance

A Norfolk cage bird society, which folded 15 years ago, has donated more than £700 from an old club account to the East Anglian Air Ambulance service (EAAA). Previous members of Hunstanton CBS handed over its remaining funds of £736.80 during a presentation in Snettisham, King's Lynn, on August 9.

David Bocking, founder and former chairman, said: “It’s better to give money to a service that everyone could benefit from. You never know when you will require the services of the air ambulance.” The cheque was donated following a meeting between former members of the society, and was presented to EAAA volunteer Rebekah Mills.

Mr Bocking, 78, kept Fife canaries since 1953, but recently had to quit the hobby due to ill health. He said: “When the club folded the left over money from the club’s tin was put in to a business bank account. I’d been trying to get the money out of the account for a year – it was a struggle.

”He continued: “Once we got the money, I rang the last five members who were left on the bird club towards the very end. We all had a drink and decided we’d donate the money to the air ambulance. Hunstanton CBS used to run very successful bird shows before dwindling members caused the club to close. It was down to lack of interest and a lot of people couldn’t afford the hobby.”

Mr Bocking added: “I spoke to the EAAA on the telephone and arranged a meeting to present the cheque. It was a hot day and was nice that a few of the former members turned up.”

Helen Dodman, EAAA’s press and PR manager told Cage & Aviary Birds: “We’d like to thank David for his donation to the charity. It’s only with the help of people like him that we can continue to operate our life-saving service across Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambs and Beds.”

● The EAAA charity is dependent on fund-raising and contributions. For more information visit: www.eastanglianairambulance.org.uk