An audience with Lord Julian Fellowes @ Gidleigh Park, Chagford Thursday 10th October – in aid of Families for Children Adoption Agency Sponsored by Brewin Dolphin Exeter

Brewin Dolphin Exeter Office www.brewin.co.uk/exeter is delighted to be the main sponsor of this prestigious event, an exclusive evening with actor and creator of Downton Abbey, Lord Julian Fellowes in aid of a worthy South West charity: 

www.familiesforchildren.org.uk

This is the latest in a succession of highly successful fundraising events organised by prominent West Country businessman John Casson. Previous events have welcomed other high profile guests such as Sir Michael Parkinson, General Sir David Richards and the Falklands war veteran Simon Weston raising thousands of pounds for a variety of charities.

A special dinner will be prepared and cooked by award-winning Chef Michael Caines MBE, one of Britain's most acclaimed chefs with two Michelin stars. AA Chef's Chef of the Year in 2007 and awarded an MBE in 2006 for services to the hospitality industry, Michael is Executive Chef at Gidleigh Park, the acclaimed and prestigious country house hotel on the edge of Dartmoor at Chagford.   Adopted by Exeter-based parents he is a Patron of the Families for Children (FFC) charity.  The gourmet dinner with Petit Fours is complemented by high-quality wine generously supplied by Private Cellar together with a Champagne reception 

Richard Pike Divisional Director of Brewin Dolphin Exeter says: “We are delighted to once again be the main sponsor for this wonderful charity fundraising event.  John Casson works extremely hard to make these events highly-successful and raise substantial monies for worthy causes.  Gidleigh Park is a renowned and prestigious restaurant and Exeter-based Michael Caines a revered Chef; it has all the ingredients to be a memorable evening.  This high-profile fundraiser with celebrity guest Lord Fellowes coincides with the new autumn series of the popular Downton Abbey drama so promises to be an event not to be missed.”

The ultimate VIP experience! Rolls Royce... Champagne... Diamonds...

Fabulous charity prizes generously donated by local business include a unique auction for an 18ct white gold diamond cluster pendant worth over £1,000 from independent South West jeweller Michael Spiers.  The winning bid includes a chauffeur driven 1978 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow II formerly owned by Oscar-winning actor, the late Sir John Mills.  On arrival the successful bidder and guest will be welcomed at one of Michael Spiers’ four South West showrooms with champagne and a delicious lunch.  www.michaelspiers.co.uk.  In addition Surridge Gallery based in Princesshay, Exeter a UK distributor of collectable limited edition and original paintings has kindly donated a limited edition print as a wonderful auction prize.   ‘Summer on the Green’ painted by Henderson Cisz for FFC is on canvas board and the edition number is 50.  Hand-signed by both the artist and Michael Caines Patron of the charity, the recommended retail price is £695.00 with a reserve of £395.00.  www.surridgegallery.co.uk.  More fabulous prizes can be seen on this link: http://www.johncasson.com/auctionitems 

Renowned Artist Diana Mackie, will be exhibiting some of her breath-taking oil on canvas paintings at the event one of which will be auctioned to raise funds for the charity.  Based on the Isle of Skye, Diana’s paintings seek to capture the effects of the elusive ‘Skye Light’ on the stunning landscape that surrounds her on the island.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Diana-Mackie-Artist/412168012136663?fref=ts

For details on how to purchase tickets, please contact: Alice Edmonds – 

aliceedmonds@johncasson.com 
M: 07718 425 742

Accountants adopt new charity of the year

Southernhay based Chartered Accountants Haines Watts specialising in the owner managed business sector and their sister company Haines Watts Financial Services hosted a special fundraising networking event to launch their new charity of the year, Families for Children Adoption (FFC). Attracting over 100 guests from the local business community the event held at the Exeter Audi dealership during National Adoption Week raised £1500 for the charity.

The evening ‘kicked off’ with special guest appearance from Welsh squad Rugby player Craig Mitchell of Exeter Chiefs. Mark Tyler, former sports commentator of ITV Westcountry, new co-owner of Exeter FM and Vice Patron of FFC talked about his own experience of adoption in Exeter. He then carried out a live interview with Craig Mitchell on his World Rugby Tour experience followed by a lively Q&A session with the audience. Local businessman, Nick Agg-Manning volunteered his time as auctioneer and there was also a charity raffle with prizes donated by local businesses. One of the main auction prizes was donated by Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue for a day out for six people with visits to the fire stations including the Airport and hands on fire training.

Senior Partner at Haines Watts Ben de Cruz says “We chose Families for Children as our new Charity of the Year following a visit to their offices located in the grounds at Buckfast Abbey. Caroline Davis the CEO and her team gave an emotive presentation. We also had the chance to meet a family who had adopted three siblings who were very passionate about the charity and their ongoing support. The launch event was highly successful and everyone had a wonderful night at the prestigious Exeter Audi dealership with some fabulous top of the range cars on display which proved very popular. We have so many people to thank who gave up their valuable time on the night including Nick Agg-Manning, Mark Tyler and all the businesses who made such generous donations for the charity raffle and auction. Craig Mitchell was a great draw and we have had really positive feedback from our guests.”

Allison Colton Fundraising & Publicity Co-ordinator says “Families for Children are delighted to have been named as Charity of the Year for Haines Watts and it was great that they chose National Adoption Week to hold their first fundraising event for us. Thank you to everyone who attended and donated so generously. Haines Watts use the strap line Local Matters, National Strength - we are a local charity placing children from all over the UK with loving adoptive families in the South-West - so for us too that has real meaning.”

For further information please visit www.hwca.com/exeter

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Photos courtesy of Mark Campbell - www.onthemarkphotography.co.uk