Help for Heroes ‘Force for Change’
Gala Dinner at the Painted Hall, Greenwich
A
t the end of last year
Help for Heroes held their
inaugural fundraising dinner
created by agency MBN
Events. The fabulous Painted
Hall in Greenwich was chosen
for a number of reasons, not
only because of its military
connections but following its
impressive renovations, it is
a stunning venue for holding
a glamorous fundraiser.
300 guests consisting of a mix
of charity ambassadors as well
as beneficiaries attended the
event at the Old Royal Naval
College, hosted by actor and
former rugby union player Martin
Bayfield. A champagne reception
was enjoyed in the undercroft
whilst being entertained by
sleight of hand magician Colin
Philips. The Naval bugle was
sounded as a call to dinner and
guests were led by a drummer
into the breath-taking work of
art, the Painted Hall.
Royal warrant holding caterers to
HM The Queen CH&CO, created
a delicious three-course menu
consisting of a starter of roasted
quail, pancetta, wild mushroom
and sherry jus and a main
course of rump of lamb, braised
shoulder and pressed lamb, pea
puree and asparagus. Pudding
was a tarte tatin of Braeburn
apples, cinnamon ice cream and
toffee sauce.
Bayfield interviewed beneficiary
families on stage sharing their
incredible stories of survival and
recovery from lifechanging injury
with the audience. Experienced
auctioneer Jonny Gould then
heart-warming songs loved by
the military including ‘Invisible’
sung at the Invictus Games.
The Painted Hall, part of the Old
Royal Naval College, is also
known as England’s Sistine
Chapel. It recently celebrated
the conclusion to £8.5 million
renovations of Thornhill’s
masterpiece, comprising over
40,000 square foot of art.
Artist Ben Moseley painted a
stunning picture during the evening.
commenced proceedings with a
host of incredible auction items.
During the evening, artist Ben
Moseley painted a stunning
picture of the London skyline
which was auctioned off for over
£10,000. Indeed, the picture
was immediately commissioned
again by second bidder to help
many more veterans and their
families to enjoy the future they
deserve.
To conclude, the Royal British
Legion band and singer Laura
Wright performed a variety of
Elizabeth Wood, sales and
marketing manager of The
Painted Hall said “we’re thrilled
at how the venue looks, it is a
beautiful space and whilst it is
steeped in history, we can hold
truly contemporary events. It is
highly flexible.”
The Painted Hall can now be
booked for gala dinners and
evening events for up to 400
guests and is open to the public
daily.
For further information contact:
[email protected]
Tel: 07813 037109.
QEF Ladies Autumn Lunch
T
he Queen Elizabeth’s
Foundation for Disabled
People held their annual
Ladies Autumn Lunch on
Thursday 17th October at
the Duchess Stand, Epsom
Downs Racecourse.
Sue Jacobs, Chair of the Lunch
Committee, welcomed and
thanked everyone for attending
and for their support before
introducing Simon and Sarah
Jones. Sarah told the heart
breaking story of why QEF is so
important to them. Simon had
become well again after a heart
attack and cycling was part of
his keep fit campaign. He was
out on his bike but the bridle
path had been sabotaged and
he could not escape the two
strategically placed logs. He
was rushed to A&E with a bleed
on the brain as well as many
other injuries and spent seven
months in hospital and a stay
of seven weeks at QEF Neuro
Rehabilitation Centre in
Banstead. Although home, he
still receives physio at QEF and
other facilities on a weekly
basis learning to walk
again with a quad
stick.
The Duchess Stand with its wonderful view
of the race course.
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THE LONDON & UK DATEBOOK
After this emotional
story Guest Speaker
Rev Richard Coles
lightened the tone
with stories of his life
since leaving The
Communards pop
band. He is often
described as Britain’s
most famous Vicar
Reverend Richard Coles with ladies of the Lunch Committee.
taking part in Strictly Come
Dancing and Celebrity
Masterclass and co-hosting the
BBC’s Painting Challenge. He
was certainly an excellent
speaker and entertained the
crowded room.
During a delicious lunch a
digital Silent Auction and a
raffle was held and afterwards
fifty handpicked stalls, selling a
range of luxury items, gave
guests an opportunity to
browse and start early
Christmas shopping. No
wonder this and the Lunch are
always popular and tickets sell
out quickly.
QEF rely on the goodwill of
their supporters to fundraise or
give time and this lunch will
make over £34,000 to pay for
a fully adapted ensuite
bedroom with kitchenette at
the Care & Rehabilitation
Centre in Leatherhead, due to
open in Spring 2020.
LYNNE WARNER