Past Events

No 'masking' the pleasure had by Guildford NCT in raising over £4,800

by Sonya Graham

Saturday 29th January 2005 at RHS Garden Wisley was a night to remember. The Guildford Branch of the National Childbirth Trust held a charity Masquerade Ball in the fabulous setting of Wisley's Terrace Restaurant and Conservatory. 200 people attended the Ball, raising a massive £4,800 for the National Childbirth Trust (NCT).

Having a Ball On arrival guests were treated to a champagne reception, kindly hosted by Footprints Montessori Day Nursery of West Horsley, with renowned local photographer, Philip Nash, there to capture them in their masquerade finery.

Academy Insurance was kind enough to sponsor the magical decorations of silver and white, which set the scene for the masked diners' delicious 3 course meal. Local estate agent, Wills & Smerdon, generously sponsored our printing of which there was plenty, and the wine, which added to the atmosphere.

Another local estate agent, Meldrum Salter Edgley very kindly donated a lottery ticket for each guest. Sadly, no big wins were found on the night, but a handful of 3 number matches were enjoyed. Entertainment was on hand with magician, David Redfearn, working the room to 'Oohs', 'Aahs' and spontaneous rounds of applause.

Dinner was followed by an exciting live auction hosted by 'Working Lunch' and 'Match of the Day' TV presenter, Adrian Chiles, who kindly donated his time. Six amazing lots contributed by local businesses ranged from a back and shoulder massage, courtesy of Touch of Serenity, right through to a pampering day with childcare, kindly offered by Rydes Hill Preparatory & Nursery School. Also among the fabulous prizes was a house in Normandy, France for a fortnight in August, kindly donated by new local business Plant Passion, and for the petrol heads in the room, there was fierce bidding for Bell & Colvill's fabulous Lotus Elise donated for a weekend.

Then it was time to hand over to the DJ, who played a selection of 70's and 80's sounds to a full dance floor of accomplished dancers.

For those too shy to bid in the Live Auction, a Silent Auction was held on the night raising over £500 for the 8 lots, so people weren't that shy! Plus the ever popular raffle with a myriad of prizes, from Enchanted Wood vouchers to vouchers offered by Asquith Nursery for the Early Learning Centre raised a huge £700.

But the evening would not have raised such a stunning amount were it not for the huge number of other supporters of the evening, which are too numerous to list. The NCT is hugely grateful for everyone who helped make the evening such a success.

So the team of six that began discussing the ball back in May 2004, can reflect on an excellent end result! As one happy guest commented on the night, "Everything was perfect - the venue, the food, the DJ, everything!"

The NCT provides support and guidance for expectant and new parents through its network of local groups. The money raised at the Masquerade Ball will go towards NCT national projects that help all new parents, plus locally training antenatal and postnatal teachers and breastfeeding counsellors. For more information about the NCT and its activities in Guildford, call 07020 937110.