Auction not opera?

The Auction of Promises event, a Glyndebourne festival inspired ‘Auction not opera’, took place on Saturday evening and we are delighted to have already raised £14,000 for school development projects. The event was the first major fundraising event organised by the school’s Development Team and was a resounding success – both in terms of raising funds but also as a thoroughly enjoyable event for all who attended.

Thank you to Mrs Emma Whittley and Miss Julie Hogg from the Development Team for their efforts in event-managing this wonderful occasion, to which almost 100 family and friends of the school attended for an evening of sophisticated entertainment. It was a joy to see the reactions of attendees on seeing the transformation of Hall A on arrival. Many items had been featured on a live bidding website for three weeks prior to the event, and Tattersalls auctioneer Harvey Bell hosted the bidding for seven lots on the night – at which point the buzz in the hall was tangible, and you could hear a pin drop as people anxiously and excitedly bid for the range of lots on offer.

From Henley Regatta tickets, polo lessons, and hockey parties with Miss Kim Cooil, to an evening of expert wine tasting, private training sessions, and Wimbledon ladies semi-final debenture tickets – it was difficult to say which lot was the most sought-after. We were so grateful to receive contributions from alumna and parent Mrs Alice Thompson, local artist who kindly donated a stunning painting of King’s College, and alumna Mrs Sue Rapley who generously donated a beautiful painting of a poppy field. Thanks also to current student Peng W., for her generous gift of musical accompaniment for the evening – playing the piano to provide the perfect ambience for the Glyndebourne festival theme.

Thank you to everyone who donated items for auction, and to those who supported this fantastic event, whether by attending or bidding.