The Datebook Summer 2017 | Page 9

A Private View of Bonhams Spring Collection S upporters gathered on 20th March at Bonhams in the heart of Mayfair in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care at an exclusive private view of their Spring Sale of South African Art prior to the auction on the 22nd. The event was well attended but the room wasn’t crowded. Guests enjoyed a selection of drinks, prosecco, Sipsmith Gin & Tonics and Three Choirs English Wine all accompanied by exquisite hot and cold canapes from London caterer Mosimann’s, while a Steel Band performed in the background. A very warm welcome from Committee Chairman Sarah Soar was followed by an address by Bill Whiland, who lost his wife to cancer. He was greatly helped by Marie Curie nursing during a very distressing time for all the family. Guests enjoying the evening. This service is provided free of charge and Bonhams with some truly fundraising events are vital for wonderful lots and a Silent the charity. Every attempt has Auction and Grand Raffle to be made to keep costs to a completed the fundraising. minimum enabling more people More than £35,000 was raised to benefit from the dedicated from the evening. This fantastic care that a Marie Curie Nurse amount will help pay for 22 can provide. months of nursing care. A live Auction was conducted LYNNE WARNER by Charlie Thomas from Viewing the South African Art. Launch of the Forbidden Forest B owing to a Hippogriff; the creepy appearance of Aragog, the Acromantula from his dark forest lair and wriggling Acromantulas suddenly descending from the forest canopy create the fun and thrill of the Forbidden Forest. Of all the visitor attractions I’ve been to, Warner Brother’s tour of The Making of Harry Potter is the most impressive and best value for money. Whether you are a Harry Potter fan or not, this is a truly impressive experience which is captivating, informative and huge fun, with great insight into the exciting process of filmmaking. If you are a Harry Potter fan the opportunity to interact with your favourite story is even more exciting. For the launch of the new Forbidden Forest experience, invited guests enjoyed outstanding hospitality as well as special guides throughout the whole tour. As if by magic a never ending supply of delicious scallops on canape spoons, mini cones of fish & chips, rare beef and caramelised onion rolls and mushroom risotto appeared from behind the Taking a stroll down Diagon Alley. Visit The London & UK DatebooK on www.thedatebook.co.uk scenery. Bars at regular intervals kept everyone amply supplied with drinks. If this hospitality represents what Private Event guests enjoy, no wonder The Making of Harry Potter is one of the top venues for events. Buckbeak the majestic Hippogriff in the depths of the forest. Enthusiasm for all things Harry Potter, seven Harry Potter books and eight films, the new Fantastic Beasts film and now the addition of Forbidden Forest have kept the story alive for over 20 years. No wonder Warner Brother’s The Making of Harry Potter sees visitor numbers continue to climb after five years. JONATHAN BYRNE The breathtaking scale model of Hogwarts. www.wbstudiotour.co.uk THE LONDON & UK DATEBOOK 7