St John’ s Hospice’ s‘ Great Gatsby’ Ball
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‘ Great Gatsby’ themed ball, organized by St John’ s Hospice, has raised more then £ 9,000 for the charity. The fundraising evening, which took place in March at the Castle Green Hotel, Kendal, welcomed more than 110 guests from across Lancashire and the South Lakes, who were encouraged to enjoy the 1920’ s atmosphere and bid on some fantastic prizes!
The evening commenced with a drinks reception, hosted by volunteer Simon Thomas, with ingredients supplied by McClure’ s & Morrison’ s. Guests were treated to‘ 1920’ s magic’, by a‘ Laurel and Hardy’ duo,‘ Lookalikes Magic’ and following a gourmet dinner- where guests were treated to smoked salmon mousse, beef and a selection of desserts- singer Ashleigh Wood, provided entertainment, sponsored by the Westmorland Shopping Centre. The auction and raffle saw guests giving generously, with all donations match – funded by charity partners Yorkshire Bank and Barclays colleagues.
Host for the evening, Nicole Elise Taylor.
St. John’ s Hospice is a local charity that has been supporting patients and families in North Lancashire and the South Lakes since 1986. Serving a population of more than 250,000 people, they are specialists in providing palliative care for a range of life shortening conditions. such a fantastic level of support and funds!” said Community Fundraiser, Jill Santamera.“ The feedback received from guests has been tremendous and it was a night when the local community really came together – once again – to support St John’ s Hospice. Guests went to town with their outfits and really got
“ We are thrilled that the‘ Great into the spirit of the event. Singer- Ashleigh Wood. Gatsby’ Ball has generated Moreover, everyone had fun!”‘ Ollie and Stan’ – Lookalikes Magic.
Royal Society of Portrait Painters
President Robin-Lee Hall welcomed guests on Wednesday 3rd May at the Private View of the Royal Society of Portrait Painters Exhibition in the Mall Galleries.
This prestigious Annual Exhibition shows 200 portraits by over 100 artists and as
Keith Breeden-‘ Charles Kennedy 1959-2015’. usual,, everyone had great fun spotting the large number of well-known figures hung in the exhibition. This year prima ballerina Leanne Benjamin, politician Ed Balls, broadcaster Lord Bragg, author Michael Bond, actress Julie Walters, comedian Jo Brand and a delightful portrait of the late Charles Kennedy MP were all included.
Prizes were presented by Ben Thompson, Chairman of the National Galleries of Scotland. This year a new one-off prize, the RP Non-Members Prize, was added and awarded to Daniel Shadbolt for Nicholas. Daniel started painting portraits when he was a teenager and has won an acclaimed prize already but was thrilled of this achievement at age 36. His subject works for him and sits every Sunday. He enjoys
David Cobley-‘ The Blue Dress’.
Shawn Mcgovern-‘ James’.
painting someone he knows well.
The major annual award, the Ondaatje Prize for Portraiture, was awarded to Shawn McGovern for James and along with the Society’ s Medal came a cheque for £ 10,000.
The Commissioning of painted portraits is easy and increasing in popularity. Since 1891 the Society has been devoted exclusively to the art and development of portrait painting and the Mall Galleries provide a very helpful service for those wishing to commission a portrait.
President Robin-Lee Hall is stepping down this year so it will be interesting to see who continues her good work and commitment.
LYNNE WARNER
8 THE LONDON & UK DATEBOOK