Cricket Tournament – June 2011
The MVMF Cricket tournament switched venue and attracted even more teams in 2011 – to the idyllic pitch at Abinger Hammer in Surrey. This was a keenly fought contest with the 2010 winners defending their stumps! In the event, the Tournament was won by a team from south London captained by Paul McCann – with sportsmen and spectators (from 7 weeks to 70) enjoying the lunchtime barbecue, followed by tea and scrumptious cakes. The £900+ raised on the day will go directly to support diversionary sports projects that the MVMF funds for vulnerable and disaffected groups. Plans are already in place for 2012, in what is proving one of the most popular MVMF events.
Hike for Mike – April 2011
Our fourth annual Hike for Mike followed the same winning formula as previous years. While a gang of our younger supporters enjoyed an Easter Egg Hunt in the Hurtwood, the older walkers managed the beautiful 5 mile circuit through the Surrey Hills. Back at Holmbury St Mary village hall there was lunch, cake, and traditional stalls and a raffle – with tickets to the English National Ballet. Clearly a favourite amongst the smaller crowd, there seemed to be unprecedented demand for Peppa Pig at the face painting stand although one young fan was voting firmly for Star Wars…
“I loved my Darth Vader facepaint, and hope it never comes off in the bath.”
Benedict , aged 5.
Re-Connect lunch at The Clink Restaurant – March 2011
Almost 90 guests got through a Heightened Security Alert at HMP High Down on 31st March 2011 and enjoyed a three-course lunch cooked by prisoners in The Clink Restaurant within the prison walls. Our aim was to turn the spotlight on the MVMF funding of the Geese Re-Connect programme in the prison the previous month. We also hoped to raise enough at the event to fund a return visit by Geese to deliver the company’s Insult to Injury Anger management programme for prisoners – and we succeeded! Read the blog here.
Carols by Candlelight – December 2010
Despite thick snow that carpeted the City of London the 2010 Carol Concert battled with the elements to go ahead, thanks to our dedicated performers and supporters. Those who braved it once again enjoyed the delights of the wonderful Vasari Singers at the Church of St Stephen Walbrook. Sadly, host Richard Stilgoe and guest reader, Sir Denis O’Connor were among those snowbound, but many overcame freezing weather and travel problems to get there. This included Governor of High Down prison, Peter Dawson, and MVMF Hero, Phil Hughes (link to Our Heroes page). One of the prisoners from the Michael Varah Artist in Residence programme at HMP Send had been invited to read but the snow kept her away. But her 18 year old daughter trudged through the snow to take her mother’s place and read brilliantly. A reading from Cider with Rosie seemed particularly apt, as all those there were well able to relate to the wintry reminiscences of Laurie Lee on that snowy night.
The ‘Champagne Social’ MVMF Ball – October 2010
Lenin or Laurent Perrier? The third ball, our ‘Champagne Socia’l, was once again held at The Brewery in the City of London. Nearly 400 people enjoyed the high-style of the evening but backed up their beliefs by donating a massive £38,524.00 to the fund. Auctioneer Garth Lewis led the enthusiastic bidding for holidays, sports events and beauty products. MVMF Trustees and Events Committee members donned their flat caps and tiaras and took to the stage to present a moving look at the projects which the MVMF has supported, asking guests to ‘Be The One’ to make a difference.
Cricket Tournament – June 2010
On a perfect summer’s day, 4 teams of 8 cricketers – of varying ability – played a total of 62 overs in a competition to win the first ever MVMF Cricket tournament, held at Sendholme in Surrey. With the help of around 65 spectators, who consumed 100s of cups of tea, cakes and scones, more than £800 was raised for the fund. The winners celebrated their success with a bucket of beers, and the other teams retired to lick their wounds as well as to begin training for 2011.
“Last year’s cricket was amazing, we had a great time, played some distinctly average cricket and raised some money for charity. Great fun. Am looking forward to this year’s event.”
Mark Singleton
Hike for Mike – April 2010
Now a well loved spring event, 11th April 2010 saw 100 people gather in Surrey to embark on the third annual Hike for Mike and raise £1,168. Most people attending were now familiar with the route and speedily dodged mountain bikers to make it back to Holmbury St Mary village hall for homemade cakes, soup and cheese, while the children had already filled their tummies on the Easter Egg hunt.
Pampered Chef Nights – 2010
In 2010, sisters Laura Giles and Sophie Childs hosted two Pampered Chef evenings in London and Wimbledon respectively. Over 30 people attended the demonstrations of professional cooking tools and techniques, and were able to order items on the night. 25% of the total spent was donated to the Fund thanks to Pampered Chef’s charity scheme and the additional generosity of the consultant Nina Butler.
Carols by Candlelight – December 2009
Lit only by hundreds of tealights, 120 people gathered in The Church of St Stephen Walbrook, for carols and readings with the Vasari Singers and host Richard Stilgoe. Alternately awestruck by festive renditions including O Holy Night and delighted by actor Bob Hoskins reciting King John’s Christmas by AA Milne, the evening proved truly magical and raised £10,453. Kind volunteers provided sustenance in the form of wine and mince pies. One of the most popular of our annual events, the candlelit concert promises to be a regular start to the Christmas season for our supporters.
‘I loved it. The setting was magical, the Vasari Singers were superb and the readings were excellent. An event not to be missed.’
The MVMF Masquerade Ball – May 2009
A stunning evening of music, masks and fundraising, the MVMF Masquerade Ball saw a beautifully lit Brewery play host to 320 people, raising an incredible £33,476 pounds in one evening. Guests watched a presentation of messages from people and projects that had been supported with funding from the MVMF. The live band kept everyone dancing, behind their fabulous masks.
Hike for Mike – April 2009
The second Hike for Mike in 2009 saw 80+ people walk the now familiar route through the Surrey Hills, this time in much fairer weather – T shirts after the snow boots needed in year one! Back at the Village Hall, a mixture of lunches, stalls and games meant that the event raised £1,500.
Cornish Sponsored Walk – September 2008
A group of 5 adults and one 18-month old set off on a mild September morning from Padstow to walk the 19 miles to Watergate Bay. Fuelled by cornish pasties and cream teas, the walkers enjoyed glorious sunshine which made their charitable efforts very pleasurable to endure!
Hike for Mike – April 2008
120 people braved late and deep snow for the first of what has now become the annual ‘Hike for Mike’. Walkers covered a 5 mile hike in the Surrey Hills to raise £2,500 for the MVMF. Staff from Surrey Probation Board, who had worked with Michael, were amongst the walkers. They were sponsored by colleagues, and their efforts were match funded by Surrey Probation Board. The ‘star’ of the show was the 2metre high snowman, built by one of our youngest supporters with a bit of help from his friends….. He and the snowman appeared later in the year on our best-selling Christmas card.
Inaugural MVMF Ball – September 2007
The inaugural ball brought 420 people together at The Brewery in City of London, to celebrate the launch of the MVMF and raise £38,767. This included the auction total of £15,900, achieved in just half an hour thanks to Freya Mitten of Sotheby’s. All prizes were donated by friends and supporters of the MVMF. Award-winning comedian Josie Long hosted the evening and James and Kate Varah gave a moving speech honouring their father, and introducing the MVMF and its aims.
