Breast Cancer Now Somerset Group: 2013

Special Guest Stars!

Ever since our first one back in 2009, we’ve strived for that combination of fun and fundraising at our annual Christmas Ball. We see it as a night of celebration for our guests to enjoy, just as much as it’s an opportunity to raise money and awareness for Breakthrough - and thanks to such amazing support, we think this was our best Ball yet! As well as all the wonderful memories from the night, everyone should take pride in the fact that you helped us raise an incredible £5,271 !!!

Just by attending the Ball, our guests are contributing to the fight against breast cancer, but with so many generous casino players and high auction bidders, it really did seem like a magic wand had sprinkled fairy dust all around.

With Chris Askew, the CEO of Breakthrough Breast Cancer, here for the first time, it made the night extra special for group founders John and Christine – it was just such an amazing evening.

It was great to see lots of guests in character; we had Cinders, Cinderella, charming Princes, military folk, footmen, mice, ugly sisters, buttons and even a pumpkin!

And so many people to thank – yet again brilliant food, service and venue from the Batch Hotel, the wonderful girls from Dancefit Somerset for their routine, Mandy Gair from Xocolat for the party favours on the tables, caricaturist Charlie Everett (aka Demon Pen) for his fabulous drawings, DJ Chris Tilling for spinning the discs, Andrea Monk on her keyboard, photographer Mike Lang, David Carter from Flash Pictures and not forgetting Riverbrew who have kept us rocking on the dance floor at every ball! The list could simply go on and on, from those who donate fab auction lots and draw prizes, to friends who helped set up on the morning – each and every one greatly appreciated – thank you!

But star of the show was a small yellow bear and his little grey canine friend, who made special guest appearances with our truly superb auctioneer for the night, Richard Cadell. It was wonderful watching Richard at work, especially the gasps from the room when Sweep joined Sooty as the £1,000 deal clincher.

It was very special and we’d like to thank both Richard and new owner Mark for their generosity.

Plans are already taking shape for our next Ball on Saturday December 6^th 2014, so please contact a group member if you’d like to know when tickets go on sale.

We love showing pictures from our events, so below is a lovely selection from both guests and more accomplished photographers, but of course if anyone would rather not have their photo on the blog, please don't hesitate to email us using SomersetBreakthough@gmail.com and we will happily remove it.

Also, David Carter from Flash Pictures has posted an online album of pictures he took on the night - click here and enter 'cinderella' as the password to view more great pics!

Enjoy the memories and see you soon!

Going home for a night cap

Breakthrough Breast Cancer

Batch Country House

The Riverbrew

Ball 2012 - Hooray for Hollywood

Ball 2011 - Night At The Captains Table

Ball 2010 - Guys And Dolls

Raised £654 for Breakthrough !

Holly was beaming:
"Well, what a fantastic day we all had - so pleased that Shop for a Cure for Christmas was another success, raising £654 !!!
A big THANK YOU to all our stall holders, everyone who donated towards the tombola, baked cakes, and helped in anyway... and most importantly to all those who came along and supported the event. We simply couldn't hold them without any of the public's kind generosity, so on behalf of all the group, another MASSIVE THANK YOU TO ALL !!!!!!"

Here's a link to a lovely article by Burnham-on-Sea.com about the event with lots of great pictures.

We do love showing pics from our events, so here's more from our day at Berrow Village Hall, but of course if anyone would rather not have their photo on the blog, please don't hesitate to email us using SomersetBreakthough@gmail.com and we will happily remove it.