MORE than 20 Harley-Davidson motorbikes rumbled their way into the gardens of The Old Palace, Ely, as part of a charity ride-out on Sunday. A procession of the Fenlanders Harley-Davidson Owners Group made its way from the William Harley memorial in Littl

MORE than 20 Harley-Davidson motorbikes rumbled their way into the gardens of The Old Palace, Ely, as part of a charity ride-out on Sunday.

A procession of the Fenlanders Harley-Davidson Owners' Group made its way from the William Harley memorial in Littleport to the gardens of the Sue Ryder Care Centre.

The Littleport memorial celebrates the fact that the father of the joint-founder of the legendary motorcycle manufacturer, William Sylvester Harley, was born in the town.

The "Bikes at the Palace" display was organised by the Rotary Club of Ely Hereward to launch its Sponsor a Stone appeal. This aims to raise enough funds to construct a wheelchair-friendly path at The Old Palace that will allow residents to visit an award-winning garden within the grounds.

These include Jo Montagu-Fuller's RHS Chelsea Flower Show medal-winning courtyard garden, opened last year by former mayor Bryant Watson.

Current Ely mayor John Ison continued the city council's support for the project by sponsoring the first two of the 120 stones that are required to complete the path.

"It's a very worthwhile scheme that deserves the support of the community," Cllr Ison said.

"I hope a lot of people will follow my example."

Information about how you can support the appeal can be found on the website

www.chelseagarden.org designed by 15 year old Jessica Harris, who suffers with ME. Jessica also judged a best bike competition.

Individual stones can be sponsored for £20, while businesses who reserve a block of four stones will have their logo and a hyperlink to their website at www.chelseagarden.org, which will be live for five years.

# Photo shows Ely mayor John Ison presents a cheque for the first two sponsored stones for the Chelsea garden to organiser Mike Anthony, with Jessica Harris, who judged the best bike. Photos: FRASER BADCOCK