MAYOR of Salisbury Penny Brown is making the final preparations for a Grand Ball, complete with Beating Retreat, to raise money for the hospital’s CT Scanner Campaign.

The prestigious event will take place on Saturday, September 21 at the officer’s mess of 32nd Regiment Royal Artillery at Larkhill, and promises to be a glittering occasion, with a champagne reception, meal, music, auction, raffle and dancing.

Before the ball starts there will be a full ceremonial Beating Retreat at sunset.

The event is being hosted by Lieutenant Colonel Craig Palmer of the Royal Artillery, and shows the army’s support for raising money for a new CT scanner, which will benefit thousands of military families living on Salisbury Plain.

“The hospital’s catchment area includes Bulford and Larkhill and up to Warminster, and when I was deciding what appeal I wanted to support it was very important to me, as an army wife, to choose something that would help both military and civilian families,” said cllr Brown.

“This appeal is bringing both communities together.

“It is a great honour and privilege to be the mayor of Salisbury, and if I can use that position to support this wonderful appeal then that is a positive thing.”

Cllr Brown was involved with setting up forces’ charity Help for Heroes and has also worked for ABF The Soldier’s Charity.

“In some ways the CT Scanner Campaign reminds me of the early days of Help for Heroes when we were raising money for a swimming pool and it was one project and something very tangible,”

she said. “The way that people got behind that appeal is being replicated here with the CT Scanner Campaign.

“It is bringing together people from all walks of life. I recently went to a coffee morning where a group of ladies served coffee and cakes and raised an incredible £350.

“I am thrilled the appeal has already raised £325,000 – it is making great progress.

“I’m not setting a target for my fundraising but I hope to raise a good amount and also help spread awareness of this important campaign.”

Cllr Brown is also hosting a quiz night at Salisbury’s Guildhall on November 7.

For an application form for tickets to the grand summer ball and Beating Retreat write to Charity Ball, The Guildhall, Market Place, Salisbury SP1 1JH.