Thank you to everyone involved in the Venetian Masked Ball, which was
a terrific success. Everyone looked wonderful, in their masks and finery, and had a great time. We also raised no less than £33,000 for St Michael's repair and repainting fund, taking us close to paying off all the outstanding loans.
Particular thanks to the organising committee, under Margaret Bailey and Sue Ouseley; Alan Trigle and his team who cooked the four-course dinner; Sara Gronmark, who turned Chiswick Town Hall into Venice; the band, Charlie and the Funk Factory; and Lynette Royle, who organised the auctions.
Thanks too to those who so generously donated -
and bid for - the magnificent prizes,
listed below.
Thanks are due to the evening's major sponsor, Savills, and to the other sponsors, Fletchers, Bang & Olufsen, Mercedes, Faron Sutaria and Monarch Cars.
A week at this wonderful restored former presbytery, built in 1830 during the reign of Napoleon the 2nd - Maison Brives, in Charente, France (www.maison-brives.eu) which sleeps 6, between 14 Jan and 1 May 2008. The perfect, 'tout confort', French holiday retreat with antique furniture, rugs on the floor, terracotta floor tiling in the hall, all conspiring to offer the visitor a warm and inviting French country house experience.
Donated by Elisabeth Whittaker, won by Sally Haigh
Bid for a week at this superb apartment with a view of Mont Blanc from February 9th – 16th 2008 in the beautiful French ski resort of Chamonix – the capital of Alpine sports, located at the foot of Europe’s highest mountain. Fabulous scenery, first class skiing for all levels, and lively après ski. Sleeps 4/5.
Donated by John and Ami White, won by Arnaud Cheung
A Bang & Olufsen/Thomas Bjorn golf bag comes complete with an Odyssey putter, am umbrella for those unexpected showers, other golf accessories and one year’s membership of Dukes Meadows Golf Club plus a lesson with resident golf pro. Malcolm Henbery.
Donated by Bang & Olufsen and Dukes Meadows Golf Club, won by Debbie Stott
Indulge yourself in a provencal idyll with a week at this fabulous villa with panoramic views over fields and vineyards, and its own private pool (pool open May to October). An hour’s drive from Nice, it is located on a wooded hillside between the picturesque hilltop villages of Fayence and Seillans. Not available in July and August. (www.tauperie.com). Sleeps 6/7.
Donated by John and Lynette Royle, won by Bill Morris
Celebrated local artist Francis Bowyer was born in London and studied at St. Martins School of Art and Chelsea School of Art in London. He has taught drawing and painting at all levels up to post-graduate, and is a Past President of the Royal Watercolour Society. He was elected to the New English Art Club in 1992. This charming framed and glazed watercolour depicts the early morning sun.
Donated by Duncan and Sue Ouseley, won by Andrew Jordan
A delightfully appointed beamed cottage between Assisi and Ancona with fabulous mountain views. Just over an hour’s drive from Ancona Airport and close to charming hilltop towns in the Marche area of Italy, it sleeps 5 with a shared pool. Not available in August.
Donated by Gavin Graham, won by Bernadette Barber
Renowned local architect and artist Nigel Woolner will paint a water colour picture of your West London home – or will travel further afield if you reimburse his expenses! The finished picture approx 10” will be supplied unframed.
Donated by Nigel Woolner, won by Mark Coker
A week’s stay at this big house of great character, located amongst the trees on Moult Hill above South Sands, and just 5 minutes’ walk from the beach. A really delightful seaside home (www.coastandcountry.co.uk search by property TREETOPS) set in around half an acre of private land in Devon. Available until end April 2008 excluding Christmas, New Year and Easter week.
Donated by James and Debbie Stott, won by Derek Fletcher
Entertaining is so easy when you don’t have to do any of the hard work yourself! Margaret and Sue will agree a menu with you and then shop, cook, serve and clear up a dinner party in your own home. All you have to do is invite tour friends and supply the drinks.
Donated by Margaret Bailey and Sue Ouseley, won by Mark Coker
Two nights’ bed and breakfast at this historic boutique hotel - one of the most exciting hotels in Cornwall where luxury styling is cleverly juxtaposed with traditional architecture. There is an eclectic collection of furnishings and ornaments and this effortless styling is then carried through 12 individually designed rooms, 7 of which benefit from estuary views and patios.
Donated by the Old Quay House Hotel, won by Peter Wolton
A day’s trout fishing for two rods on one of the country’s finest chalk streams. After a wonderful day’s fishing, celebrate your catch (hopefully!) with a cream tea for two on the terrace. Available from15 April 2008 to 15 October 2008.
Donated by Mrs R. Thompson, won by John Mathers
Set in an acre of land in the tranquil countryside of Brittany, close to Pont Aven and Quimper, spend a relaxing week in this charming house in the hamlet of Quiliodren, Finistere. Sleeps up to 8 with the beach approximately 20 minutes away and the charms of the French countryside all around. Not available in August.
Donated by Dinah Garrett, won by Alyson Mitchell
The perfect Christmas gift for aspiring racing drivers, young or old, or just fans of the sport! Own a piece of sporting history with this signed t-shirt and cap, both personally signed by Renault drivers Giancarlo Fisichella & Heikki Kovalainen.
Donated by Renault, won by Nick Tyler
Enjoy the Suffolk coast with a week in this peaceful house close to the centre of historic Aldeburgh: perfectly situated for sailing and boating, golf, tennis and shopping. Newly enlarged to sleep 9, it will be available from late September 2008.
Donated by Peter and Joanna Wolton, won by Alyson Mitchell
From the Good Life to Monarch of the Glen, take tea at Isabel Little’s home in Chiswick with one of the UK’s national treasures – actor Richard Briers, and his charming wife. You may invite up to five other people to join you, or alternatively keep him all for yourself.
By kind permission of Richard Briers and Isabel Little, won by David Averre
Discover the delights of Pembrokeshire with a week at this charming traditional Welsh cottage sleeping 4 which overlooks the medieval cathedral in St David’s and enjoys views of the hills beyond. Available throughout 2008 excluding March 22nd-29th, Easter school holidays, June to September and December 20th onwards.
Donated by Dick and Victoria van den Broek, won by David Beresford
Experience Reiki - an ancient Japanese healing technique. The practitioner gently places their hands non-intrusively in a sequence of positions which cover the whole body, holding these positions for a short while. The whole person is treated rather than specific symptoms. This offer is for a one-hour treatment with a qualified practitioner, tailored to meet your specific needs.
Donated by Isabel Little, won by Sarah Houston
Massage works on many levels to relax the body, and depending on individual preferences can be used to relieve tension, re-energise or invigorate. An hour’s treatment to meet your own needs with qualified local practitioner Janie Hildebrand.
Donated by Isabel Little, won by Jane Trigle
A week at this simple, quiet retreat dating from1950s in absolutely superb surroundings near the Ridgeway and Downs. Get away from it all and enjoy some bracing country walks - the perfect antidote to stress in the city. Sleeps 5.
Donated by Patrick and Louise Grattan, won by Carol Douglas
Whether you feel your own wardrobe could do with an overhaul, or you know someone who would benefit from it, here’s your chance to obtain a half day’s style and colour consultation with an experienced fashion consultant, and some optional shopping advice to make the most of a new look.
Donated by Lesley Ebbetts-Wilson, won by Sally Haigh
Award-winning novelist Celia Brayfield offers an individual writing tutorial from GCSE essay to full-length novel. So whether you want to seal that book deal or simply put your point across in writing, this will help you get the most from the written word.
Donated by Celia Brayfield, Roger de Montfort
Timeless elegance for your home with this pretty crystal brandy decanter. Fill it with half bottle of Courvoisier cognac and place it on the sideboard to keep the winter chills at bay.
Donated by Rosalind Leney, won by Duncan Ouseley
A bottle of this extra special whisky in its presentation box and decanter is advertised on a whisky exchange website at £299….bottled as a 12-year old blend from the highly reputed Dimple/Pinch stable, it is rarely available today.
Anonymous Donor, Amrita Glazebrook
A hamper of home-made Christmas goodies to get you in the mood for the festive season – this one will contain an iced cake, home made plum pudding and mince pies made by acknowledged local experts for your exclusive pleasure. Delivered shortly before Christmas.
Donated by Sara Gronmark, Joanna Wolton and John Little, won by Oliver Stirling
A case of 2001 Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos by Rene and Vincent Dauvissat; the greatest of the Chablis grand crus and made by a highly esteemed firm this should now be approaching its prime and last another 3-5 years. Stored in perfect condition since it was made.
Donated by Alan Trigle,
Sarah Lenton will take up to six people, including children, on a backstage tour of the Coliseum – the London home of the English National Opera and English National Ballet, on a Saturday morning. What really goes on behind the scenes? You may be surprised! Not suitable for those with restricted mobility.
Donated by Sarah Lenton, won by Roger de Montfort
Once upon a time it cost just a penny to get in, but alas those days are now long gone. However you can enjoy the glories of Kew Gardens throughout the changing seasons with a season ticket allowing free entry all year for two people.
Donated by Kew Gardens, won S Hitchins
A special portrait session for the subject of your choice with celebrated photographer Vibeke Dahl. Choose family, a friend or even a special pet to be immortalised in this way, with the final portrait framed for immediate display.
Donated by Vibeke Dahl, won by Kate Averre
Just in time for Christmas – celebrate in style with year with twelve bottles of this grand marque’s Brut Réserve – a dry, refined champagne in the grand style. Sir Winston Churchill had a lifelong ‘attachment’ to Pol Roger, consuming it throughout the war: "In defeat I need it, in victory I deserve it".
Donated by June Reed, won by Mary McKenzie Kunkel
A clever and witty pastel work by Peter Cameron, a hugely talented artist who took up art during a nine year prison sentence. 33” x 25” framed and glazed. 'Prison is a dark world, where so many things are denied you. You cling to anything that will take you away from the drab, mundane existence,' says Cameron, now a professional artist working in Liverpool.
Donated by Gavin Graham, won by Kate Averre
Two tickets to the evening match between Queen’s Park Rangers and Burnley on Tuesday 12th February 2008.
Donated by Gerald McGregor, won by Christopher Bradley
You chance to step on the red carpet with two tickets to this London movie premiere on 6 December 2007 – the film featuring Renee Zellwegger, Jerry Seinfeld and Eddie Izzard.
Donated by Christina Balmer, won by Charlie Farley
A sparkling silver and crystal charm bracelet from Marmalade, comprising large Austrian crystals and smaller ones set into silver heart motifs; worth £275.
Donated by Charlotte and Graeme Smart and Marmalade Jewellers, won by Nick Tyler
A two course dinner for two with a bottle of house wine at this latest addition to the West London gastro-pub scene. AA Gill awarded it five stars in the Sunday Times just a couple of weeks ago!
Donated by Simon Cherry and Matt Jacomb, won by Oliver Stirling
A two course dinner for two with a bottle of house wine at this popular Chelsea eaterie, described in Time Out as “a silk purse not a sow’s ear.”
Donated by Simon Cherry, won by Duncan Ouseley
A meal for two up to £50 and a bottle of house wine at Britain’s 3rd oldest pub, the Ostrich in Colnbrook (near Windsor) with a chauffeur driven car there and back.
Donated by The Ostrich, Colnbrook and chauffeurs from Green Tomato Cars,
won by Duncan Ouseley
Next time you head for the hills, make it a proper occasion with this handy rucksack that contains all the hardware you need for a picnic for two - just add food and drink.
Donated by Sarah Hicks, won by C Bradley
Escape for a weekend night out with a difference - bed and breakfast for two at the newly refurbished Intercontinental Hotel on Park Lane.
Donated by Intercontinental London Park Lane, won by Lesley Sharpe
Take the weight off your feet and have a break in the Christmas shopping with a delicious tea for two with champagne at the famously elegant Grosvenor House Hotel.
Donated by the Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel, won by Peter Wolton
An eight-card gentleman’s wallet in natural vegetable tanned leather from the prestigious Mulberry label.
Donated by Mulberry, won by James Stott
A fabulous ladies Large Smithfield handbag in gunmetal buffalo leather from Mulberry.
Donated by Mulberry, won by Amanda Bradley
A one year subscription to the world’s best classical music magazine – and two free issues with accompanying CDs to get you started.
Donated by Gramophone Magazine, won by Neil Sharpe
A beautiful table arrangement for a special occasion or Christmas created to your own specification by local professional florist.
Donated by Lizzie Howarth, won by Joanna Wolton
Pamper yourself and treat your skin to a relaxing facial at this salon in Acton Lane.
Donated by Pretty Wo-man, won by Fiona Hickley
Selection of hardback books for all the family.
Donated by Orion Publishing Group, won by Mary McKenzie Kunkel
A beautiful necklace with rock crystals and a silver clasp.
Donated by Dominick Harrod, won by Nick Tyler
There’s still time to get in shape for Christmas – the Hogarth Club can help you on your way.
Donated by Hogarth Health Club, won by Eliza Bailey
A special behind the scenes tour for up to ten people at Chiswick’s famous brewery, including a free beer tasting.
Donated by Fullers Brewery, won by Dick van der Broek
Donated by Michael Pownall, won by Amrita Glazebrook
Donated by Gavin Campbell, won by Nicola Chater
While every effort has been made to describe items accurately, St Michael and All Angels’ church does not accept responsibility for any inaccuracies, omissions, loss, damage or injury arising as a result of a bid for any of these items.
All house and hotel bookings are subject to availability and agreement with the relevant owners or manager.
Please honour your bids on the night. Payment should be made by cheque, made payable to St Michael and All Angels Church, or by cash. Please note credit cards cannot be accepted.