Over 330 guests attend ninth Stan Bowley Trust Annual Ball

Darren Bennet, National Accounts Manager for Liebherr-Great Britain Ltd, asked us to share the following write-up about the ninth Stan Bowley Trust Annual Ball. It sounds like everyone had a great night and raised a lot of money for charity:

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Over 330 guests attended Alton Towers hotel for the ninth Stan Bowley Trust Annual Ball. The Black & Gold with a hint of the 1920's event was packed with entertainment, and the guests certainly dressed to impress. Throughout the evening fundraising took place, and it is expected that once all the money is in over £60,000 will have been raised.

During pre-dinner drinks the gathering was privileged to have The Daisies singing in the background. The talented trio of female singers performed period songs which got the fun and games off to a great start.

The night got into full swing as guests entered the main ball room, which had been subtly decorated with art deco 1920's props. From the period staircase on stage to the glistening chandeliers, a great deal of thought had been put into the decor by the organisers.

Proceedings were started by Rona Johnson, Chair of the Trust, welcoming guests followed by an emotional speech from Alan “Stan” Bowley’s brother Ian Bowley. Ian stated that £3.5m would buy you a CyberKnife machine, but it would also buy you ...life.

This was followed by a cheque presentation to The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Charity for the sum of £20,000, by a group on fundraisers who had recently walked the Inca trail in Peru.

Russ Morris from Heart FM once again hosted the evening. His effervescent personality bursting through during the night. He invited all present to take part in the traditional heads and tails game. However, as ever at The Stan Bowley Trust events there was a twist. The Daisies were invited back to the stage where the last few standing took place in a sing off. The winner securing three bottles of champagne for his table.

The meal was of high quality with a starter of Salmon, caper & green herb terrine, orange & golden beetroot salad, lime allumettes. The main course consisted of rolled shin of beef, horseradish pomme puree, roasted gold bar squash (courgette) Red wine jus. Followed by lemon posset, citrus bread cherry coulis.

Photography during the course of the event was undertaken by Neil Foster from New Moon Images. Photographs for the event can be purchased direct from his website, with all profits going to the Charity.

During the course of the meal, a golden envelope raffle took place. This gave everyone present the chance to win £1,000. Two lucky winners then had the chance to enter the wind machine (as seen on Dragons Den). Sadly for them they only manged £100 and £200 respectively.

An auction took place with great prizes such as Grand prix weekends, Helicopter rides, and a holiday in France to name a few.

The evening was then brought to its climax by the main entertainment The House of Chords. The Birmingham based quartet performed an hour and a half set, and literally had the room rocking from start to finish. They sung a variety of covers which had the dance floor jam packed throughout.

Trustee Darren Bennet commented “To raise in the region of £60,000 by what is basically a family run Charity is phenomenal.”

Fellow Trustee Malcolm Johnson clarified “Plans are already in place for next year for our tenth annual ball, which we hope will be bigger and even more spectacular”

Due to immediate demand anyone wishing to attend next year’s event should email darren.bennet@liebherr.com as soon as possible to register their interest.