The Spring Ball was held 24th March

Both the Rowing Club and the Rowing Club Association want to say a sincere Thank You to all those who attended and contributed to the Perkie Duck  Spring Ball held at the Holloway University .

The weather may not have been that “Spring“  like, but a fabulous time, we are told,  was had by the 117 who attended.
The evening commenced in the reception area, overlooking the floodlit quadrant, where the appropriately named cocktail “Ducks Fizz” was served.

It was then, on to the magnificent Founders Hall,  bedecked with yellow and blue irises, and tables allocated in accordance with rowing venues Henley, Oxford, Pangbourne and of course Staines ,to name but a few, for a sumptuous dinner. 
  
While coffee and petit fours were served, raffle tickets were sold and preparations made for the auction.  Before this took place, the highlight of the evening had to be the sincere and eloquent tribute written and given by the year 10 and 11 rowers to the volunteers and coaches who have worked tirelessly over the four years of the clubs existence to make it the club it is today.  The girls looked amazing and were an invaluable help on the night selling raffle tickets, assisting with the auctions, and almost as importantly leading the dancing!!!!

The “live” auction was an event not allowed to be missed! Doors were blocked for fear of anyone escaping, wallets were shaken and cheques books reduced to just stubs in minutes. In short a resounding success and £3000 was raised. (The few minutes belies the work that went in to acquiring the donations but all worthwhile),       

Dancing followed as guests tripped the light fantastic and other variations on a theme (we have the photos). The less energetically inclined stalked the prizes available via the silent auction……MI5 could have gained new recruits…..the trickery was masterly in some cases…. With forms being carefully concealed behind curtains by punters determined to win their prize!!!!  The students were on the case and sorted such trickery.   

A small break in the dancing allowed oxygen to be administered to those now in need, and the raffle and silent auction winners to be announced.  Dancing then recommenced and continued relentlessly as the midnight hour approached. 
 The evening events, thanks to the generosity of the guests and those who donated prizes, raised an impressive £5362.

Part of that will be allocated to the Stephanie Marks Appeal as one of the Association’s selected charities.  Costs of the event and ticket sales are still being determined so final amount going to the club cannot be calculated yet. It may not be enough for a boat but will be used at Liz Bernard’s and the clubs discretion for some much needed equipment. The sum will be announced shortly.

This was the first fund raising event organised by the rowing club association on behalf of the rowing club.  It was an experience. Hopefully as well raising funds for the club was a joyful one for all. Initial comments from guests were that it was good to meet other rowing parents socially other than bank side, and without hats and gloves.  Any other comments/suggestions welcome.

Unless some sanity hits the organising group they are considering arranging another such event for next year!
Watch this space.