Enter a bid - Ardvreck Ball Auction

THE SUMMER BALL 2024 AUCTION LOTS

WELCOME TO THE 2024 ARDVRECK BALL AUCTION

This evening, we are raising funds to support the school's investment in the swimming pool complex. This investment will reinstate the pool and upgrade the pool changing rooms. All our pupils, from nursery to Form Six, will benefit from the investment. This project marks the beginning of an extensive investment campaign, and the Friends of Ardvreck are keen to support the school's exciting future.

Thank you so much to all those who have been so generous in donating fantastic and original prizes, we could not have put this incredible portfolio together without you.

Our Auctioneer - thanks

This will be the last year that Patrick Steuart Fotheringham will don his ‘little gold sequin number’ to be our auctioneer. His boundless energy and fantastic auctioneering skills have helped raise vital funds. Patrick’s contributions have gone far beyond conducting the live auction. He has also served as co-chair of our Friends of Ardvreck committee, spearheading numerous fantastic fundraising initiatives including our market leading rifle range. We are eternally grateful for his dedication and on behalf of all of us, we extend our deepest gratitude.

SPECIAL THANKS

Thank you to:

- The donors for all auction lots and contributions to the ball.

- The ball organizing team. You know who you are.

THE LOTS

The Friends of Ardvreck have described the lots to the best of their ability from the information provided by the donors but take no liability whatsoever in respect of faults, deficiencies, or errors in description; verbal or printed. If there is a dispute the Auctioneer’s decision shall be final and binding.

HOW THE BIDDING WORKS ON THE NIGHT

Complete the form at your place setting to register the card number to bid. This will be collected from your place before bidding starts.

When bidding starts the auctioneer will announce the lot number and item and then take bids from the floor.

Please raise your card number if you wish to bid.

The price of the lot will increase with each bidder and will go up in amounts decided by the auctioneer.

Any proxy bids submitted will be announced by the auctioneer.

The bidding will keep going until there are no higher bids, at which point the auctioneer will call out asking if there are any more bids.

He will then give a further call out repeating the cost of the lot before bringing his hammer down if there are no further bids.

This indicates the lot sold and a binary agreement of sale made between the highest bidder and the Friends of Ardvreck.

If you are a lucky winner, congratulations! You will be handed your voucher with contact details to make arrangements for the win, or given the item itself.

ENTERING THE PRIZE DRAW

Each ticket is £10, and you can buy as many as your heart desires!

Write your name on the envelope (on your table) and pop £10 inside and it will be collected from your table.

If you do not have cash, you can pay by bank transfer. To do this confirm this on the back of the envelope.

BIDDING RULES AND PAYMENT

Payment can be made conveniently via bank transfer (BACS) and it is important to understand that once you have placed and confirmed a bid, it cannot be retracted, as all bids are considered final commitments to purchase the item if you are the highest bidder.

We will provide all winning bidders with a card containing our bank details, ensuring you can easily take the information home for convenient payment.

Payment must be made within 7 days by Thursday 4th July.

Bank Details: Friends of Ardvreck, Sort code: 80-06-21 Account:00142170

1. A BUTCHERED LAMB FROM DRUMTENNANT FARM

A whole butchered lamb, expertly prepared and ready for your kitchen. This prize offers not only a generous supply of high-quality meat but also the convenience of having it professionally butchered and packaged

This lot comprises of a full lamb, carefully processed to provide a variety of cuts, including leg, shoulder, loin chops, rib chops, and lamb mince. Perfect for roasting, grilling, braising, or slow cooking.

ESTIMATE: £100

2. Ardvreck Rifle Range Visit for 2 with top tips from Amelia Murray Lindsay

Ardvreck’s shooting is going great guns! The squad have broke yet another prep school record by adding a third Grand Shield to the collection at school. Bringing the St David’s (Air Rifle), St Patrick’s (22) and the St George’s (Outdoor) shield together has broken a 119-year record This would not have been possible without funding to buy new equipment from The Friends of Ardvreck enabling the children to compete in all these competitions.

This lot is a chance for 2 to try out the range.

ESTIMATE £300

3. two Tickets to the Scotland vs South Africa

Sunday 10th November, Murrayfield, Edinburgh

TheTestseriesreturnstoScottishGasMurrayfieldthisNovemberfollowinga breaklastyearbecauseofRugbyWorldCup.Andwhatareturn!Scotlandfanscan lookforwardtofourfantasticgames,includingawelcomevisitfromthecurrent WorldChampionsSouthAfrica.Thiswillbethesecondoffourautumn internationalstobeplayedbyScotlandin2024.Intheirmostrecentencounter, Scotlandwerebeaten18-3bytheSpringboksinaWorldCuppoolmatchin Marseillelastyear.Overall,ScotlandandSouthAfricahaveplayedeachotheron 29occasionssincetheirfirstmeetingin1906.

ESTIMATE-£200

4. EDINBURGH MODERN FLAT FOR THREE

NIGHTS SLEEPS FIVE

This modern mews house is set over 3 floors and is situated right in the heart of the city of Edinburgh. Designed to impress, bright, and with the advantage of an outdoor space to enjoy a morning coffee or glass of wine in the evening. Fantastically located in a quiet, yet super central lane, minutes from the city center attractions and many restaurants within 5 minutes’ walk, this property offers the perfect location for a young family.

The property consists of 3 floors and a mezzanine. It is airy, bright and delightfully modern. The glass staircase throughout is a beautiful feature and the outdoor patio space a rare find in the center of Edinburgh. There is a twin bedroom on the basement level along with a large shower room, a further double bedroom and shower room on the entry level, kitchen and living room on the first floor and a single bed on the mezzanine level Great for a family with young children or 2 couples on a city break There is also a book library for you to enjoy during your stay.

Dates to be mutually agreed from September 2024 onwards. Surely this lot would go well with the tickets to Scotland vs South Africa to make a spectacular weekend in Edinburgh.

ESTIMATE £1000

5. DRIFTWOOD LAMP BY PATRICK FRASER

This driftwood lamp has been handcrafted by Patrick Fraser (Form 5). Made from a lovely piece pf spalted driftwood collected on the Elie/Earlsferry shores. The Lampshade is in Ardvreck colours - green exterior with purple, green and white interior It has been wired by a qualified electrician

ESTIMATE - £PRICELESS

6. LONG WEEKEND HIND STALKING FOR TWO RIFLES ON THE ISLE OF MULL

Long weekends do not come better than this! A chance for 3 days hind stalking for two rifles each day and up to 6 people staying in the shadow of Ben More on the beautiful Isle of Mull.

David Laing and Jake French will be your highly skilled duo of stalkers. They will then morph into chef and sommelier for evenings of fine food, and entertainment. This is the perfect long weekend for a gaggle of friends! Ideally you will arrive on a Thursday afternoon and stay through to the Sunday.

Dates: 7th-9th February 2025

ESTIMATE - £1500

7. A WEE ADVENTURE

AN ACTIVITY OF YOUR CHOICE, 8 PEOPLE, 3 HOURS

I don’t think there is a person here who doesn’t know about Mr. and Mrs. Biscuit and Wee Adventures.

With this lot bring the family or outsource the kids for a Wee Adventure of your choice Canoe, climb, abseil or learn some bush craft skills with biscuit Up to 8 people for 3 hrs. with delicious brewed coffee, hot drinks and biscuits

ESTIMATE £320

8. ROMANTIC STAY IN PICTURESQUE FARMHALL

FORGANDENNY, PERTHSHIRE FOR TWO NIGHTS, SLEEPS FOUR.

Farmhall Cottage is nestled in the rolling Perthshire countryside with far-reaching views across Rossie Farm and the Ochil Hills. This beautiful newly renovated cottage sleeps 4 people (1 double & 1 twin) with a large open plan kitchen and cosy sitting room with log burner. There is a private garden with outdoor seating as well as off-road parking for two cars.

Within 1 hour from Edinburgh, Glasgow and St Andrews and Gleneagles 15 minutes away. Very handy for hosting any friends/family coming to visit you in Scotland or how about an advance booking ahead of the 2025 Ard Ball which is being held at Rossie – this cottage is perfect stumbling distance from the party!

ESTIMATE - £300

9. SUMMER IN THE ALPS – CHALET DU CHEVAL NOIR

St Martin is an authentic alpine village is set within Les 3 Vallées. There are endless summer experiences from hiking to cycling to swimming in the many mountain lakes. Go fishing with your family, make the ascent of the Col de La Loze on a road bike or electric bike, discover paragliding or enjoy the unique experience of a night in a mountain refuge.

Les 3 Vallées offers a wide range of mountain biking and E-MTB routes suitable for all levels. Why not make the most of our ski lifts to discover Les 3 Vallées in summer on mountain bike? A whole host of different MTB passes are available.

Hiking in Les 3 Vallées is equally diverse, with trails ranging from relaxing woodland walks to challenging mountain hikes. A whole host of different pedestrian passes are available to fulfil your need to get away from it all! Beyond hiking and biking, the area also caters to climbing and via ferrata enthusiasts

Le Bouquetin Apartment is walking distance to the shops; restaurants and the St Martin express high speed Gondola that runs during August for bikers and pedestrians. The 100sqm apartment is on the ground floor and has an outside terrace and garden. It can accommodate up to 8 people in 3 double bedrooms (1 ensuite) and a bunk room. The apartment is organized around a large open space consisting of a kitchen and living room.

https://www.les3vallees.com/en/guide/all-year/in-summer

This lot is for 1 week rental from either:

Saturday 17th August - 24th August 2024 OR Saturday to Saturday week in July/August 2025 by agreement.

ESTIMATE £1250.

10. SHOOTING FOR TWO GUNS WESTER

CAMBUSHINNIE

FARM

This exclusive lot is for two guns to join Santa Spurway as his guests on an approx. 100 bird driven pheasant day at Wester Cambushinnie Farm, nr Dunblane. The rest of the guns will be friends and will include lunch. Suitably aged kids are welcome to come along and stand with their parent/god parent/uncle (or in front) and shoot too.

Date to be arranged this coming season or next season if dates don’t work this year.

ESTIMATE - £1000

Kindly donated by Santa and Clare Spurway

THIS IS AZOVSTAL A SYMBOL OF PERSEVERANCE

The bracelet that you see is made from the last pre-war batch of steel manufactured at the legendary Azovstal plant. A symbol of incredible courage that tells a story of might and fortitude. This is one of the last batch of bracelets that has now sold out.

UNBREAKABLE STEEL

Azovstal is a metallurgical plant in Mariupol that became the last defensive fortress of Mariupol. The enemy almost destroyed 11 square kilometers of the plant territory. In the end, the word “Azovstal'' became a symbol of perseverance, courage, and the indomitable spirit of an entire people. Each bracelet is made of 5grams of Azovstall steel. It is an extremely strong and durable alloy that can be resmelted many times without losing its quality. For the bracelets, we used steel made on the legendary rolling mill 3600. In 2022, the sheet-rolling shop where mill 3600 worked for many years became one of the places where the protectors of Azovstal heroically defended their steel fortress.

The last batch of bracelets is special. It was made of the steel letters “BELIEVE IN THE ARMED FORCES OF UKRAINE,” which were installed in the center of Kyiv. In this way, we ' re sharing our unquestionable faith in the Ukrainian Army, between thousands of people. And we will carry it all the way until victory.

ESTIMATE £150

12. GOLF AT PRESTWICK GOLF CLUB

THREE PEOPLE INCLUDING LUNCH WITH HUGH ARBUTHNOTT

Prestwick Golf Club is the Birthplace of the Open Championship, a traditional links golf course designed by Old Tom Morris in 1851. Although the sea air may be fresh, the aura that surrounds Prestwick is doused in pure legend. From the cauldron atmosphere of the first tee to the heroic closing hole, Prestwick delivers golf on a grand and epic scale.

This amazing lot is for 3 people to play and have lunch with Hugh Arbuthnott. Date to be arranged within the next 12 months

ESTIMATE - £500

13. ARNBANK COTTAGE, ABERCAIRNY FOR TWO NIGHTS, SLEEPS TEN PEOPLE.

Arnbank Cottage has been lovingly renovated by Anna Moray Parker. The house itself holds a special place in the heart of the estate, having been the home of Anna’s Granny and some special friends who we can thank for the beautiful garden. Gather the whole family or your group of friends and relax at this peaceful place to stay. Whether you choose a long walk in the countryside, a dinner party in the large kitchen-diner, a BBQ in the garden with lawn games in the sunshine or even bake a cake, the possibilities are endless...

Arnbank is just a 5 minute drive from Crieff and not far from picturesque towns like Aberfeldy, Dunkeld, Pitlochry where there are lots of activities, restaurants and independent shops.

2 Nights. Sleeps 10. To be taken within 1 year and according to availability. Good for an exeat.

ESTIMATE - £500

14. HALF A SHARE OF HORSE “BEAT THE RETREAT” FOR THE NATIONAL HUNT SEASON 2024/2025 - (20% OF WINNING GOES TO THE SCHOOL) IN TRAINING WITH NICK ALEXANDER AND

AN INTEREST WITH “BEAT THE RETREATS” 3 YEAR OLD HALF BROTHER IN TRAINING WITH LUCINDA RUSSELL

This lot is back in again this year but with an added extra of having an interest in a horse at Lucinda Russell’s yard. This exclusive lot is an amazing chance to be on the inside. Bid to get half ownership in Bay Gelding " Beat The Retreat" with Angus & Nicky Hodge for 2024/2025 National Hunt season. “Beat the Retreat” is in training with Nick Alexander in Fife. The horse will run in joint names meaning you have all the fun of owning half a share but with no bills and no entry fees. With this lot you will get invited to the owner ’ s lunch at Nick Alexanders yard and lunch each time it races. You will also be able to visit the horse at Nick Alexander's yard in Fife to see it on the gallops

In addition, this year you will get chance to have an interest in “Beat the Retreat” younger 3 year old half brother that is in training at Lucinda Russell’s yard near Kinross. This would allow you a yard visit and tickets and lunch if and when he runs.

ESTIMATE - £PRICELESS

(Does not include race winnings however 20% of any winnings will be donated to the Friend of Ardvreck)

Sire: Getaway (GER) (14.5f)

Dam: Lindy Lou (GB)

Dam's Sire: Hernando (FR) (12.5f)

Breeder: A H B Hodge

15. THREE NIGHTS IN THE HEART OF PARIS.

APARTMENT SLEEPS FOUR PEOPLE

Located 150m from the Eiffel Tower, in the 7th arrondissment of Paris. The apartment is on the 2nd floor and has 3 bedrooms, (2 singles and a master bedroom), 2 bathrooms, one big living room as shown, and a dining room. You are also easy distance from many of the tip top sights such as the Louvre, Petit and Grand Palas, and Saint Germain des pres. What better way to take the family and explore Paris!

Dates are to be arranged by agreement. Not available over the summer Olympics. A bottle of champagne will be chilling in the fridge for your arrival!

ESTIMATE - £1000

16. A DAY HUNTING FOR TWO WITH THE FIFE BLOODHOUNDS

HOSTED BY HENRY AND LOUISA CHEAPE.

The Fife Bloodhounds was formed in May 2023 to hunt the Clean Boot in Fife and the surrounding area. The pack is based near St Andrews. The Bloodhound pack follows the scent of a human volunteer, not wildlife, and it is quite distinct from any other form of hunting

A typical day’s hunting with the Fife Bloodhounds follows a working pack of hounds over approximately 10 miles, tracking the runners, known as the quarry. The aim is to provide a social, interesting and fun day out for all age groups and abilities of rider.

Alongside this amazing opportunity you will be hosted by Henry and Louisa Cheape at Strathtyrum House outside St Andrews the night before. Horses can be arranged separately.

ESTIMATE - £300

SLEEPS

Nestled in an idyllic position on the banks of the River Tweed, The Boathouse boasts magnificent views over the river to the hills beyond with not a road in sight. The House is a fabulous rural retreat situated along the River Tweed near the village of Norham.

It offers cozy accommodations with open fires, and stunning views of the river and its wildlife like ducks, herons, and otters. The well-presented house has traditional features like stone fireplaces and antique furnishings mixed with contemporary decor. A highlight is the 26' dining room with fireplace and river views, perfect for dinner parties

The house is situated half a mile from the pretty village of Norham that is famous for its imposing Norman castle ruins. The village has a local shop, bakery, two pubs, gunsmith and the celebrated Foreman's Butcher, selling a fantastic selection of meats, pies, local cheeses, wines and even fishing flies.

The house is an ideal base for a family gathering or for a late season fishing party where fishing can be arranged on the private beat for house guests at an additional cost. (October only). This lot is for 3 nights between 13th October and 1 December mutually agreed prior to the 15th July.

ESTIMATE: £1000 www.boathouseontweed.co.uk

18. DELICIOUS HAMPER FROM OCHIL FOODS

Ochil Foods work with over thirty artisan Scottish producers from Scottish Shellfish, Highland Venison and Perthshire Soft Fruits to specialist producers such as Katy Rodgers Dairy, Great Glen Charcuterie and many more. Away from home they have an extensive range of specialty ingredients from cheeses to patisserie ingredients. They work with Scotland's best chef including those at Andrew Fairlie Restaurant, The Glenturret Lalique and Monachyle Mhor.

What an amazing opportunity to take this with you on holiday this summer. Perfect for a lodge holiday. If you have been the lucky bidder for The Boathouse on Tweed, Arnbank, Farmhall Cottage or the Edinburgh flat combine it with this amazing lot of goodies.

ESTIMATE:£200

19. AN EXCITING DAY HIND STALKING GLENDOE ESTATE, FORT AUGUSTUS

ESTIMATE £750

20. TWO TICKETS FOR THE 1888 CUP

BRITISH & IRISH LIONS VS ARGENTINA

20TH JUNE 2025, AVIVA STADIUM, DUBLIN SEATS IN EAST STAND UPPER

Their rarity makes them special, their uniqueness makes them the best of the best –so to be able to see the iconic British & Irish Lions play a home Test match is something not to be missed. They will face Argentina in Dublin before setting their sights on the Wallabies and this is your chance to be there and see them live. It’s about celebrating four home nations, the best of the best, a history that stretches back to 1888 and the chance to play your part in what promises to be a very special atmosphere at the Aviva Stadium. Tickets only.

ESTIMATE - £300

PHILIP BRAHAM

Since moving to Crieff from Edinburgh, six and half years ago, I have been endlessly inspired by the dramatic Perthshire landscape with its shifting light and changing seasons. In this painting of The Hayfield, the cricket grounds of Ardvreck School, I was captivated by the low cloud sitting at ground level, with wisps drifting over the pitch, and by the leaden clouds above as the evening set-in The painting featured in my solo exhibition at The Scottish Gallery in Edinburgh, during February 2024

Philip is a graduate of Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, He first came to prominence in the 1980s with the rise of figurative painting in Scotland, which culminated in The Vigorous Imagination, an exhibition at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art in 1987. His career includes 27 solo exhibitions to date, in addition to numerous group shows both nationally and internationally. Among the awards received are the prestigious Royal Scottish Academy Guthrie Award for painting and the Royal Scottish Academy Morton Award for lens-based work. Recent exhibitions include solo shows at Perth Museum and Art Gallery, The Scottish Gallery and at the Royal Scottish Academy. A longstanding interest in continental aesthetics informs his pedagogical role as Senior Lecturer in Contemporary Art Practice at the University of Dundee. He was elected to the Royal Scottish Academy in 2021.

Current exhibitions

Royal Scottish Academy 198th Annual Exhibition (until 16th June)

https://www.rsaannualexhibition.org https://www.rsaannualexhibition.org/landscape/

Amongst the Trees: group exhibition at The Scottish Gallery, Edinburgh (until 27th July)

https://scottish-gallery.co.uk

https://scottish-gallery.co.uk/product/dawn-in-torlum-wood/ https://scottish-gallery.co.uk/product/mirrorpool-in-a-birch-wood/

Forthcoming exhibition

Frontiers: Painting in Scotland Now at The Royal Scottish Academy (Edinburgh Festival exhibition opening on 3rd August)

https://www.royalscottishacademy.org/exhibitions/284-frontiers-painting-in-scotlandnow/overview/

22. LE BUET CHALET,

VALLORCINE, CHAMONIX VALLEY, SLEEPS 6, CHRISTMAS OR NEW YEAR 2024, JAN OR FEB 2025 (NOT HALF TERM)

This lot is not available on the open market and is an exclusive opportunity to bid for a 1 week (7 nights) ski holiday either over Christmas or New Year 2024 or a week in January or February 2025. This does not include half term.

Vallorcine is a beautiful traditional village in the Chamonix-Mont Blanc valley. The Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Valley has a worldwide reputation with its legendary peaks and massifs, bordered by its river and its famous glaciers. Vallorcine has managed to preserve its character combining authenticity and nature and is the last village in the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Valley before passing through Switzerland. It is named “Valley of the Bears” and it offers numerous activities that will appeal to sports enthusiasts and culture lovers alike. In winter, snow sports are king. Skiing , ice climbing , tobogganing , ski touring or snowshoeing will allow you to discover unspoiled nature.

The chalet has 2 doubles and 1 twin and the living area is centered around a fabulous sitting room leading to the kitchen.

The Chamonix Mont-Blanc Valley is renowned for its exceptional skiing and snowboarding options Here’s an overview of the ski areas within the valley and this iconic region.

1. Les Grands Montets: Challenging, steep slopes and excellent off-piste options.

2. Le Brévent and La Flégère: A mix of intermediate to advanced slopes

3. Le Tour and Vallorcine: Wide, open slopes suitable for beginners and intermediates.

4. Les Houches: Varied terrain with tree-lined slopes, family-friendly, for all levels.

5. Aiguille du Midi: Terrain: Vallée Blanche, a 20km off-piste glacier run for expert skiers with a guide.

Additional Points:

Ski Passes: Mont Blanc Unlimited pass covers all Chamonix areas and nearby resorts. Ski Schools: Available for all skill levels.

Freeride and Off-Piste: Extensive options, guides recommended.

Après-Ski: Vibrant scene with many bars and restaurants

Non-Ski Activities: Snowshoeing, ice climbing, and more Getting to Vallorcine is easy – Geneva airport is only one hour away by car.