Ian Hislop launched this year’s Story of Christmas appeal at an event at auction house Bonhams last week.
Hislop told the packed room that last year’s event, which raised more than £696,000, had delivered “a stunning and record-breaking result”.
Marc Corbett-Weaver, artistic director and chief executive of The Story of Christmas, announced this year’s charitable recipients as Centrepoint, The Children’s Trust, Depaul, Haven House Children’s Hospice, St Mungo’s, The Tim Henman Foundation, West London Mission and XLP.
A prize donated by Tim Henman and auctioned off by Hislop raised £4,000 to kick-start this year’s fundraising.
The winner won the opportunity for three people to enjoy a tennis lesson with Henman at Wimbledon, including a back-of-house tour of the club, including the locker and trophy rooms, followed by hospitality. The launch event was sponsored by Bonhams and JLL.
South Bank undercroft funds keep rolling in
The Architectural Heritage Fund has committed its support to Long Live South Bank and its plan to conserve and enhance the South Bank undercroft, SE1.
Situated beneath the Queen Elizabeth Hall, it is the oldest continually used skatepark in the world. AHF has awarded the project £21,000 towards retaining the space as the epicentre of skateboarding in the UK.
Working with the Southbank Centre, LLSB has also secured £30,000 from its crowdfunding campaign and sponsorship from Palace Skateboards. The Mayor of London’s Good Growth Fund has awarded £700,000 to the project.
The restoration will include the reopening of the original space and the creation of an education and youth centre.
AHF chair Liz Peace said: “The undercroft is a highly significant place for everyone that appreciates the South Bank.”
Challenging stigma of mental health
The annual Buccleuch Property Challenge will take place on 7 September at Drumlanrig Castle, Dumfries and Galloway, in aid of mental health charity Projekt 42.
The six-hour race will test the fitness and stamina of participants from across the property industry.
To enter a team, go to www.buccleuchproperty.com
IN BRIEF
Airing Old Laundry
U+I launched the Old Laundry Yard at Shepherd’s Bush Market, W12, with a party celebrating the site’s heritage with jive dancers, 1950s roller-skaters, stilt walkers and live music. Located on the site of a disused laundry, the space is comprised of 72 shipping containers and will provide affordable workspace for local businesses and entrepreneurs.
Aiming for charity
Arsenal legend Bob Wilson was joined by guests from the property sector at the annual Willow Shoot Day. Held on 4 May at the Royal Berkshire Shooting School, the event, in aid of national charity Willow, raised more than £35,000 to help young adults with a serious illness. The event is organised by Willow and supported by Paul White of Frogmore Property Company and Greg Nicholson, former executive director of CBRE.
A version of this article appears in the 19 May print edition of EG with the headline “’Tis the season to start fundraising…”
