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