A woman in her 70s has been the first member of the public to make a donation to the Beccles Community Stage Campaign.

Janine Clarke of Earsham, read about the campaign in the Beccles and Bungay Journal, and remembered attending a music concert at Beccles Quay when she was younger.

She said she thought it was a “brilliant idea” to provide a permanent stage for musicians at the quay.

Mrs Clarke said: “I went to a concert at the quay when I was in my 30s, I think it was a jazz concert.

“I’ve been a fan of jazz since I was at university and when I moved to Norfolk I searched out places I could go to hear it.

“I remember taking myself off to Beccles and sitting on the grass and listening.

“And reading the article brought all the memories back to me.

“So I thought I must send a donation to help this happen.”

The campaign, which launched in the Journal two weeks ago, has also attracted interest from local businesses and groups, who have been in contact with the committee to find out how they can get involved.

In order to build the stage, which has been designed to look like a rowing boat, £60,000 must be raised through donations and grants.

The Beccles and Bungay Journal is working in partnership with Beccles Community Arts - the committee behind the town’s annual Harvest Moon Festival - to get the project off the ground, and around £3,000 has already been donated/pledged to the fundraising pot.

The committee is holding its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday at Beccles Caxton Club at 7pm, and as well as discussing plans for this year’s music festival, anyone who is interested in finding out more about the community stage is also invited along.

For more details about the campaign or to make a donation call Jula Janney, chairman of Beccles Community Arts, on 01502 712109 or visit her at Beccles Town Hall.

Can your group or business support the Beccles Community Stage Campaign? Then we want to hear from you! The Journal will be running regular stories on those who make a donation to the campaign. Email amy.smith@archant.co.uk or call 01502 715674 for your chance to be featured in the paper.