HSWB Charity Ball and Auction Brochure by HomeStartWestBerks

Home-Start West Berkshire 25th Anniversary Charity

Auction Preventing

Ball &

Family Poverty

Welcome from the Chair

DearFriends, WelcometoHome-StartWestBerkshire’s 25thAnniversaryCharityBall. Iwouldliketotakethisopportunityto thankeveryonewhohascontributedto makingthiseveningasuccess.Therehas beenahugeamountofeffortand dedicationfromourtrusteeboardand thecharityisimmenselygrateful. Weareextremelyproudtohavesome fantasticauctioncontributionsfrom organisationsbothlargeandsmall,some localandsomenotsolocal.Wehavehad anoverwhelmingresponsewhich reflectsthecommunitiesunderstanding oftheimportanceofHome-Start’swork. Thankyoutoallourdonorsforalltheir contributionstothisvitalproject.

Rootedintheheartofthecommunity, Home-Startisabletoidentifyandreach familiesexperiencingfinancialhardship. Wedothiswithoutstigmaorjudgement, enablingfamiliestoacceptsupportand improvethelivesoftheirchildren.We knowlivinginpovertyhasasignificant impactontheoutcomesforchildren.

Injoiningusthisevening,youare improvingthelifechancesoflocal children,mitigatingtheeffectsof povertythatdetrimentallyaffect children'sdevelopment.

Morethanever,thissupportis essentialandwithoutyouthese childrenwouldjustfallthroughthe gapsofotherservices.

Thisballisallaboutthisfabulous cause,butitisstillagoodexcuseto letyourhairdownandhavesome funso

Let's party!

Alan Stark

Starters

Tomatoandbasilsoupwithherbcroutons ClassicprawncocktailwithMarierosesauce Duckandorangepatewithredonionchutney, toastedciabatta

Mains

Pansearedchickensupreme,sautéedpotatoeswith

cherrytomatoesandcourgettes,basilherboil Grilledporksteaktoppedwithtomatochutneyand meltedcheese,roastedbabypotatoes,carrotsand parsnips Searedsalmonfillet,chivepotatocake,sautéed spinach,tarragoncream Caramelisedonionandroastedpeppertagliatelle, garlicciabatta,dressedrocket Desserts Vanillapannacotta,forestfruits Doublechocolatecheesecake Freshfruitsalad,whippingcream

Many families in West Berkshire, a large proportion of them working families, are struggling to make ends meet. Poverty means not being able to heat your home, pay your rent, or buy the essentials for your children. It means waking up every day facing insecurity, uncertainty, and impossible decisions about money.

Ouraimtonightistoraise£12,000toenablevolunteerstosupportfamilies withyoungchildrentomaximisetheirincome,maketheirmoneygofurther throughbudgetingandenergysavingandtosupporttheirchild/children's development.Home-Startknowsthatfromanearlyage,childreninpoverty aremorelikelytoscoreworseintestsofcognitive,socialandbehavioural development.Livinginalow-incomefamilygreatlyincreasesthelikelihood ofchildrenleavingschoolwithlowereducationalattainment.

Home-Startsupportissimpleyeteffective.Wearetheonlyfamilysupport charityworkinginWestBerkshirethatoffersvolunteersinthehome.Itisa uniqueandprivilegedpositionthatgivesourvolunteersinsightintothe well-beingofthefamily.Wethereforeknowwhenfamiliesarestruggling, andwecanhelp.Ifthefamilyareindebt,wecansupportthemtomake importantcalls,completepaperworkoraccessadviceservices.Our volunteersupportalleviatesthestressesthatpovertybringsandhelpsthem tobebetterparents.

Inthelastsixmonths,wehaveseenasharpincreaseinfamilies experiencingfinancialhardshipandfamiliestellustheyareworriedabout howtheywillmanagethiswinterwhentheycannotmanagenow.Theytell ustheywillnotbeabletousetheirheating.

Theproceedsofanyauctionitemsyoupurchaseoranydonationsyoumake thiseveningwillhelpustorecruit,trainandsupportvolunteerswhocan helpfamilieslivinginpovertyrightnowinWestBerkshire.

Preventing Family Poverty ...because childhood

can't wait

LOT 1: Disney on Ice DREAM BIG! Four tickets to see this spectacular show—your choice of one of 18 performances between 22nd December & 31st December 2022 including access to VIP AMEX Lounge* Start times vary *Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18+ within the O2 Arena and VIP Lounge ESTIMATED VALUE £400Kindly donated by MALL SOLUTIONS LOT 2: Lilleybrook Golf Club Four Ball Enjoy a four-ball round at Lilley Brook Golf Club in the beautiful Cotswold town of Cheltenham. Can be played midweek or at weekends after 1.00pm. VALUE £150 Kindly donated by Lilleybrook Golf Club

LOT 3: A Luxury Hydrafacial and Dermalux LED Light Therapy Treatment

The Hydrafacial delivers instant and long-lasting results that you can see and feel.

Kindly donated by ASPIRE CLINIC, Reading

In addition, you receive a Dermalux treatment to accelerate the skin’s natural rejuvenation and repair process. VALUE £225

LOT 4: Wood Turning Experience

At Neil’s workshop in Kintbury, you’ll learn to turn a piece of wood into a bowl – even if you are at beginner level. The class is 4 hours from 10am – 3pm including a lunch break

Usually at weekends by prior arrangement. VALUE £100

Kindly donated by Neil Owen at Woodcrafts

LOT 5: Collection of 6 wines from the vineyards of Domaine Le Pujol and je suis esther Domaine Le Pujol & je suis esther wines are handcrafted at their winery at the foothills of the Black Mountain in the Languedoc Wine growing region of France. ESTIMATED VALUE £72 LOT 6: 2 VIP tickets to Celine Dion at the London O2! Two O2 VIP guest tickets with access to the VIP Amex lounge before and after the show* on Tuesday 11th April 2023. Great seats - level 1 of the arena in block 111 or 102. *Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18+ within the O2 Arena and VIP Lounge PRICELESS! Kindly donated by O2 London Arena Kindly donated by Dr Jan Heunis & Esther Khoo

LOT 7: Take a Trip in this 98 Year Old Bentley This lot is for a ‘chauffeured’ local drive; it could be for a pleasure ride around the countryside on a summer day, a prom, or to arrive in style at a special occasion. Maximum capacity is three people* PRICELESS! LOT 8: 2 Tickets to Highclere Castle's Festive Evening of Castle Tours, Champagne, Canapes and Carols Two tickets to include a signed copy of Lady Carnarvon’s ‘Christmas at Highclere’ book. VALUE £350 Kindly donated by Mrs Georgina WoodsHome-Start volunteer *It is quite windy in the back so probably not suitable for a wedding Friday 16th December 5:30pm to 8:00pm Suits/Cocktail Dress Kindly donated by The Earl and Countess of Carnarvon

LOT 9: One place on an exciting Watercolour Painting Tuition Weekend with popular local artist Frankie Cummins Frankiehas40yearsofteachingexperience behindherandaloyalfollowingofpupils. Frankieisaworkingartistwithastringof successfulexhibitionsbehindherandmurals inbothprominentpublicbuildingsand privatehomes.* ClassesareheldinGreatBedwyn Lunch, boundlessamountsofFrankie’sfamous coffeeandallpaintingmaterialsareincluded. VALUE £240 LOT 10: Sleepover Children’s Party Everything is provided for a sleepover for up to 8 children in this 5m diameter fun themed tent. Find out more at www.thesleepoverclub .net VALUE £250 Kindly donated by Frankie Cummins *For more information go to: https://www.paintingweekends.com Kindly donated by Camilla at The Sleepover Club

Thecottageisrightnexttothe SouthWestCoastalPathsothere’s noexcusefornotenjoyingsome energeticscenicwalks.Thereverse levelcottagethathasbeentotally renovatedtoaveryhighstandard, islocatedinaquietspotnearthe endofthebeachandaswellasthe greatseasidepositionthecottage alsohasasunnygravelledgarden. Beesandsboastsalivelywelcoming pubthatservesgreatlocalfoodas wellas‘BritanniaBytheBeach’take awayoreatindining.Thecottage’s locationmakesaccesstothe remainderofSouthDevon,withits manyattractionsandsandyfamily beachesveryeasy.

11: Spend a week in a Devon cottage by the sea

RESERVE ON THIS ITEM IS £450

LOT

Spendaweekinabeautifulcottagebythesea inBeesands,Devon. Openthewindowsandyoucanhearthe soothingsoundofwavesontheshingleand appreciatethebeautifulseaviewsthat encompassthewholeofStartBay. Thisthreebedroomcottagesleepssix(plus dogs!)withadeck.

Kindly donated by Chris and Claire Carless Available for any week in 2023 outside of the Christmas/New Year and summer school holidays (subject to availability) this delightful holiday cottage is right on the beach in the old fishing village of Beesands, South Devon There is WiFi and parking on road outside. Change over day is Friday. *For more information go to: https://www.toadhallcottages.co.uk/holiday-cottages/29-beesands/1299.

LOT 12: Real Christmas Tree Kindly donated by Yattendon Estates MEDIUM NORDMAN CHRISTMAS TREE The tree is from the cut selection at Yattendon Estates near Newbury and is to be collected from the Christmas Tree Sales area by the winner. LOT 13: Your Choice of Celebration Cake Do you have an event in 2023? Thrill your guests with a wonderful cake Expertly made using quality ingredients. Kerry’s creations can meet any dietary requirement including vegan, gluten free, egg free, dairy free The winning bidder will receive a voucher with contact details so that you can discuss your plan directly with Kerry. Kindly donated by Kerry's Cakes LOT 14: Luxury Homemade Food Hamper The hamper includes a light fruit cake, shortbread, cheese biscuits, biscotti, marmalade, brown sauce, lemon curd, pickle, chocolates, pot of jam. All home-made. Kindly donated by Lynn Sayer VALUE £45 VALUE £50 VALUE £50

LOT 15: Two Boxes of Freddie's Flowers Kindly donated by Freddie's Flowers Delivered Monday - Friday to most areas in the UK Mainland (not northern parts of Scotland) Freddies will arrange directly with you, when and where you would like the flowers delivered. LOT 16: Jo Malone Products The stunning scents from Jo Malone includes the signature Lime Basil & Mandarin Cologne 30ml and the refreshing Pomegranate Shower Gel 250ml Kindly donated by VCH Style LOT 17: Luxury Gown and Pamper Gift Set One Hundred Stars Willow Gown in Orange. This gown is perfect as a luxurious house coat or for layering as a chic accessory to your favourite outfit. One size fit 8-18 Kindly donated by That Lovely Shop and VCH Style VALUE £90 VALUE £150 VALUE £50 (2 Bouquets of £25)

LOT 18: Beauty Basket Kindly donated by VCH Style A collection of 20 toiletries and make up in beauty basket. Your opportunity to own this collection or give it as a wonderful gift for a loved one. LOT 19: Bumper Pack of Party Decorations for a Dinosaur Themed Child's Party Do you know a little one who is dinosaur mad? This perfect set will make their party Jurassic! Set includes tablecloth, bunting, napkins, plates and cups. Kindly donated by Party Pieces LOT 20: Cinema Experience 2 GUEST PASSES TO ENJOY A FILM OF YOUR CHOICE Passes will be provided on the night. They must be used on the website and cannot be used at any of their special events. Valid for a one year. Kindly donated by Everyman Cinema Wokingham ESTIMATED VALUE £75 ESTIMATED VALUE £20 VALUE £31

LOT 22: Bottle of Vintage Champagne Lete Vautrain offers a bouquet that is elegant and spicy with hints of walnuts and fresh, ripe apricots. Pairing suggestions: This champagne can be served as an aperitif, and with seafood, fish, turkey and cheeses. Kindly donated by Grapesmith, Hungerford LOT 23: 1 Night Bed and Breakfast for 2 People A stunning, quintessential English country pub with rooms nestled in the Yattendon estate near junction 12 of the M4. The Royal Oak offers simple, unfussy, Michelin rated food, ten luxurious bedrooms, award winning real ales, roaring log fires and a quite beautiful walled beer garden with al fresco dining under a leafy vine terrace. (excludes Saturday) Voucher expires on 19/11/2023 Kindly donated by The Royal Oak, Yattendon VALUE £35 VALUE £140 LOT 21: Pair of Tickets: T20 Middlesex match at Lord’s Cricket Ground - Summer 2023 Kindly donated by Paul Gilbert Stunning view from seating usually reserved for debenture holders only. The date of the match will be advised in February, usually Thursday evening in June or July 6pm start – possibly Sunday afternoon 2pm start VALUE £50

LOT 24: Inscribed Book by Robert Harris

This truly original item will be inscribed with a message of your choice, and signed by the author who has kindly made this donation.

This is your opportunity to acquire a copy of the book made truly personal to you or a wonderful unique gift for a loved one.

Kindly donated by Robert Harris

PRICELESS!

LOT 25: Inscribed Book by Gill Hornby

A truly original item, Gill Hornby’s latest novel, Godmersham Park, will be inscribed with a message of your choice, and signed by the author.

This is your opportunity to acquire a copy of the book made truly personal to you or a wonderful unique gift for a loved one.

PRICELESS!

Kindly donated by Gill Hornby

LOT 26: FOUR BALL AT SHERFIELD OAKS GOLF CLUB

This four-ball voucher can be used on any Monday-Friday (not including Bank Holidays).

The golf club, with its two 18-hole courses, is situated in the attractive village of Sherfield on Loddon on the Hampshire borders, between Reading and Basingstoke on the A33. The mature woodland setting contributes to the qualities which make Sherfield Oaks a challenge and will ensure an enjoyable round for any standard of golfer.

Kindly donated by Sherfield Oaks VALUE £150

LOT 27: Collection of Books A selection of six intriguing novels from well- known authors such as Richard Osman and Polly Crosby. Why not read something new? Kindly donated by Juilet Mushens Literary Agent ESTIMATED VALUE £60 LOT 28: 2 Commonwealth Games Kitbags including Kit Including large and extra-large unworn kit from three international competitions Kindly donated by Louise Sugden LOT 29: 2 Bottles of Winding Wood Sparkling English Wine Winding Wood is a boutique and award-winning vineyard situated on the borders of West Berkshire and Wiltshire producing top-notch English sparkling wine using the traditional champagne method. They are a ‘hands-on’ operation where the 2 partners do all the vineyard work, lovingly nurturing their vines all year. Kindly donated by Winding Wood Vineyard VALUE £61 PRICELESS!

LOT 30: Dermaplaning Facial Treatment Kindly donated by Clinic Aesthetica Relax and unwind with this rejuvenating facial treatment that leaves your complexion brighter and smoother. Voucher expires 1st January 2023 LOT 31: Thai Massage £60 voucher for use at Orchid Thai Therapy at Suay in Newbury Traditional Thai Massage involves a combination of deep tissue massage, pressure & stretching. This Thai massage is applied using thumbs, hands, elbows, knees or feet. The person receiving the massage therapy wears comfortable loose clothes. Kindly donated by Orchid Thai Therapy at SUAY in Newbury LOT 32: The Newbury Gastro Pub- £50 towards Great Food The Newbury work closely with local, bespoke suppliers who, like the Newbury, are mostly family run businesses with a real passion for seasonal, sustainable and fully traceable Great British produce. Kindly donated by The Newbury Management VALUE £60 VALUE £50 VALUE £55

Home-Start West

Berkshire! Thank you for the work you do, so many lives are changed by your kindness, support and encouragement. Kerry and Tim Bird

Garden Warriors is proud to support Home Start and all the wonderful work they do for families.

Fantastic Supporters!

Newbury Building Society for sponsoring the welcome drinks and table wine

Domaine Le Pujol and je suis esther for special rates and wine advice Version 2 for lights Ayata for sponsoring the table decorations Sumo flowers Donnington Grove Jason Palmer for his MC Skills and for sponsoring the printing Jamie Ledwith for the piano playing Chris Head Magic for the magic Boom Town for the music Ade Adepitan for the welcome

www.chrisheadmagic.com

jamie@jamieledwith.co.uk

singer - pianist - photographer

Thank you!

To everyone who has made our 25th Anniversary Ball such a huge success:

To companies, individuals, staff and volunteers who have donated or collected prizes for the Auction, the Prize Hamper and Spin the Wheel

To our staff and volunteers, who have helped with planning and organisation of the event, and without whom, of course, we couldn’t provide the support we do to families in need

To Jason, our Master of Ceremonies, for keeping us on track and persuading you to part with your money

And most importantly, to all of you, our guests, without whom our 25th Anniversary Ball would not have been nearly so much fun….