FALKLANDS CONSERVATION AUCTION NETS £13,340.00
By J. Brock (FINN)
If you didn’t go to the Falklands Conservation Charity Ball on Friday night, you missed out on an excellent evening of food, fun and fantastic artwork. The main purpose of the charity ball was to earn money to aid on-going Falklands Conservation projects and some new ones. In this 25th anniversary year, the money raised by the auction came from the sale of approximately 30 items, ranging from felts produced by Alli Liddle to an Antarctic Cruise for two donated by Quark Expeditions. Other items included Artwork by Una Hurst that was donated by the Government of South Georgia, a John Smith painting of the Capricorn, signed prints by Tony and Kim Chater, Richard Lewington’s signed prints of insects, watercolours of buildings on Carcass Island by Becky Ingham and Veronica Fowler and a limited edition print of two King Penguins swimming by John Gale. Also on offer were, a slave for the day, an electrician, a plumber and a carpenter. Finally, there was a painting by Mandy Shepherd on offer. Raffle tickets were available at the door, with a hand-carved Albatross mobile, bottle of champers and boiler service courtesy of Energise.
H. E. the Governor Mr. Howard Pearce addressed the crowd half way through the auction and said, “Congratulations on your success so far in your success in running this auction. It’s a great pleasure to see so many of you here this evening.
As you know, the 25th anniversary year is a very special year for Falklands Conservation. I congratulate Falklands Conservation for the tremendous job that they have done in preserving the wonderful environment of the Falkland Islands - extremely important work, which they do.
Many of you may not be aware of the considerable success, which Falklands Conservation have had in raising money from outside the Falkland Islands from a number of institutions and a number of funds to pursue environmental projects they have in the Islands. It amounted this year to some £350,000.00 and I think that’s a tremendous achievement. And, I would like to say a special word of congratulations to Becky Ingham and her dedicated staff for their success in achieving such a considerable amount of funds from outside the Islands.
Of course an evening like this can only be successful if it has a tremendous amount of local support. And, I am temped to say that this has been one of the great successes of Falklands Conservation. And of course, this evening, this annual event, is one of the key events in the year at which Falklands Conservation are able to raise and encourage local support and raise money from the local community. And, one of the things I have learned about the Falkland Islands is how extraordinarily generous the people of the Falkland Islands are in supporting local charities and local good causes. And, there is no better cause than Falklands Conservation.
So, I would like to congratulate everybody who contributed so far this evening and encourage you to be even more generous as the evening wears on.”
The Governor then announced a special prize of two nights for two at Port Howard for someone that had a gold star under their seat.
Tapas, provided by the Falklands Brasserie were served during the auction. It consisted of 13 different oeuvres including Cougeres filled with Mortadella Pate, Vegetable Samosas, Sushi Rolls and Tandori Chicken Winglets. The wine was provided by Beauchene Trading company. Fresh carnations provided by the Market Garden, were presented to everyone on arrival.
When contacted on Monday morning, Falkland Conservation’s Sarah Clement said that the organisation was grateful for the generous support shown on Friday night. Sarah also thanked the sponsors, VT Communications at MPA and Consolidated Fisheries Limited.
The Photos show: Sharon Marsh getting her own back. For the answer, see Friday's Penguin News.
Cllr. Mike Summers with two of Alli Liddle's felts.
H. E. the Governor congratulating everyone on their participation in the auction.
