The Mayor's Charity Ball

Last summer, I decided to take a risk (this was not a Town Council underwritten event) and put on a Charity Ball in order to raise money for the charities I chose to support this year. Never having organised such an occasion before, I was pretty daunted. But last Saturday, it all happened and went very well: not only did lots of people enjoy themselves but the event raised several hundred pounds for the Buckingham youth club, the NSPCC and UNICEF. I am enormously grateful for many people and businesses who offered advice, support and prizes for the raffle. Without all these people, this event would not have happened.

So I tip my hat to:

• £50 voucher with thanks to Prego
• Several bottles of bubbly (Moet, Bolly etc) with thanks to 
• Number 13, 
• Michael Graham Estate Agents and 
• a local resident
• £20 voucher with thanks to Yuzz-a-ma-tuzz
• Family entry ticket to the Old Gaol with thanks to Cllr Mike Smith
• A bottle a good red Claret with thanks to Cllr Ruth Newell
• A bottle of Armagnac with thanks to Cllr Robin Stuchbury
• Family entry ticket to Stowe Gardens with thanks to them
• A ceramic dish with thanks to Finca El Monte
• £50 voucher with thanks to Secret Messages
• A clutch bag with thanks to Pasha
• A huge cake with thanks to Party Bakes
• A tool box with tools with thanks to Cllr Mike Smith
• Silk Scarf made by University Entrepreneurs with thanks to the Mayoress
• A bottle of Black Grouse whisky with thanks to Cllr Mike Smith
• A meal for two at Duke's restaurant with thanks to Villiers Hotel

The raffle raised over £300 on the night which was amazingly generous by all the people present, so huge thanks to them as well!

I was most grateful to past Mayors and colleagues who helped out with advice on mounting the event and on the night. And Jean Rush from Villiers deserves a special mention for her calming advice and support throughout the last few months especially when I was panicking about whether the event was going to make a surplus or not. Indeed Villiers Hotel waived the costs of the room and the security on the night as well as providing some free advertising for the event. Thank you so much to them! And I should mention that both Villiers and the University block booked two tables of ten each which provided much needed solid ticket sales. Thank you!

And huge thanks to the band - the Estrella's who provided some brilliant music that got everyone dancing and smiling - what more could one want! I will be leaving an enthusiastic review on their Facebook page. 

And thanks to everyone who came along including those dressed up as a punk or a hippy. This was a great night!! 

Here are pics:

The lashings of 1970's party food! Well done to the chef - a fine job!

The band - very well rehearsed and enjoyable

Note the third chandelier at the end!