The Datebook Autumn 2015 | Page 8

QEII Transforms into a Wimbledon Garden Party for Hosmark From cherry blossom trees and strawberries and cream on the Green to a real grass indoor tennis court, everything Guests were entertained by The Wandering Hands. quintessentially British was celebrated at the event, which showed just how versatile the QEII Centre can be. The 150 guests arrived to the vintage Garden Party on the Green, which overlooks Westminster Abbey, to enjoy champagne and Pimm’s while being entertained by live band, The Wandering Hands, and juggling tennis duo, The Racketeers, both provided by Sternberg Clarke. From cherry blossom trees to strawberries and cream. The themed menu featured delicious barbeque grilled meats and seasonal summer salads, such as wild rocket and apple blossom and roast English heritage tomatoes and basil cream, alongside the classic strawberries and cream. To connect the indoor event space with the outdoor celebrations seamlessly, QEII used the entertainers to lead guests inside to the lifts. A video wall in the foyer, featuring a tennis ball animation, and frosted Wimbledon imagery in the lifts gave a taste of things to come. Upstairs in the Mountbatten lounge, the Wimbledon scoreboard was projected over a real grass tennis court in front of the main stage, provided by Wow Grass, where guests could have a quick game themselves. Roger Plumpton, Director of Hosmark, said, “Our portfolio consists of independent hotel companies and individual hotels which excel in their levels of service and facilities, which means our summer party has to match the high standards they set. What the team at the QEII Centre delivered was a truly brilliant event which I have no doubt the guests will remember for some time to come.” Private View of the Summer Exhibition he 24th exclusive Private View of the Summer Exhibition in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care was held on 14th July at the Royal Academy of Arts. For 247 years the Summer Exhibition has offered a snapshot of contemporary art with now over 1,200 works being exhibited. T This year the exhibition was coordinated by Michael Craig-Martin RA, a leading Will Axon, from BBC One’s ‘Flog It’, was auctioneer for the evening. Royal Academy Committee Chairman, the auctioneer, Will Axon from BBC One’s Flog IT, commenced the bidding. Over £93,000 was raised on the evening for the charity. Guests arriving for Marie Curie’s Annual Evening at the Royal Academy. artist and teacher. His aim to brighten the Galleries and fill each room with colour and variety was certainly achieved. The vivid coloured staircase alone took over 500 hours to complete. Volunteers on hand sell raffle tickets. 6 THE LONDON & UK DATEBOOK Guests enjoyed champagne and canapés by Mosimann’s while viewing artworks by established, unknown and emerging artists – all handpicked from over 12,000 entries – and a chance to bid for specially donated artworks in a silent auction using an interactive bidding system. Marie Curie volunteers were on hand selling raffle tickets and handing out the familiar daffodil pins as guests made their way to Gallery 3 for the main auction. With a welcome from Kate Cotton, Marie Curie Marie Curie Cancer Care help people living with any terminal illness and their families without charge. They offer expert care, guidance and support to help them get the most from the time they have left. Currently they support 44,000 people each year and they are planning to double the charities research investment and palliative care in the years ahead. LYNNE WARNER Photo Credit: Vanessa Lees Photography entre Court came to the QEII Centre on Tuesday 7th July, when the venue was transformed into a Wimbledon themed Summer Garden Party for hotel representation company Hosmark. Working in partnership with Hosmark to create an event with a ‘Best of British’ theme, QEII pulled out all the stops to delight and entertain guests at their annual client summer party. C