Rose Ball
19 January 2008
After several hectic months of planning, organisation (and the occasional panic!), the Rose Ball finally took place and was an outstanding success. With the generous support of Gary, Jane and all the staff, the ball took place at the Great Hadham Golf & Country Club. Despite some terrible weather in the days leading up to the event and on the day itself, the efforts of all the organisers and the Ambassador Marquee Company resulted in a venue that looked absolutely stunning.
With over 180 people attending, everything had to run smoothly and from the moment that the event started, all the planning paid off handsomely. The event began with a Champagne reception where everybody had the opportunity to see the wonderful array of raffle and auction items generously donated to the event.
Whilst everyone took their seats for dinner, two lucky winners were drawn to receive drinks hampers. Dinner itself was excellent, the presentation and quality of the food was an absolute credit to Brian the chef and all the kitchen and waiting staff at the club.
After dinner Esme gave a short speech about Rose and the origins of The Rose Willcocks Appeal and the Ball.
The auction followed and was a tremendous success, a collection of prizes including a holiday in Cyprus, designer jewellery, signed sporting memorabilia and a Prada Handbag, were expertly sold by chief auctioneer Lee Ellaway.
Once the final item had been sold, Esme said a few words to thank all those people that had made the event possible, namely; Sharon Ellaway, Eleanor Gardiner, Phillipa MacDonald, Clare Shepherd, Viv Spalding, Jenny Raphy, Jacqui Husk, Marie Petrie, DJ Chas, Chris (the photographer), Lee Ellaway and Margaret & Bob Clift. She also said a heartfelt thanks to the golf club staff as well as all the sponsors and donators who so generously contributed towards the evening. They include Heather Barnes, Martin & Matthew Donnelly, Julie Ramsay, Marie Petrie, Jaqui Storey and Lee Ellaway.
Finally the dancing got under way, during which the raffle was drawn for a great collection of prizes including an LCD TV!
It was wonderful to see everyone enjoying themselves and DJ Chas kept the dance floor busy for the rest of the evening.
The evening raised an incredible £9,500. It goes without saying how thrilled Esme & Dave are, they never expected in a million years to have raised so much money. They have so many dreams for Rose which are all now possible because of everybody involved and all those who attended.