Arundel Castle celebrates Sussex childhood
Arundel Castle played host to the Celebrating Sussex Childhood Fundraising Banquet on Friday 17 March hosted by the High Sheriff of West Sussex Mark Spofforth OBE and his wife Von.
Held in aid of Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice, young people’s charity Winston’s Wish, and also supporting Home-Start Arun, Henry, Earl of Arundel was joined by over 250 guests at the Black Tie event.
Those in attendance enjoyed a Champagne reception followed by a three-course banquet in Baron’s Hall, a performance by Christ’s Hospital School Band and auction with celebrity auctioneer Tim Wonnacott.
Chestnut Tree House Patron Ambrose Harcourt was MC for the evening and began the evening by talking about the three charities that Mark Spofforth OBE chose to support.
The High Sheriff of West Sussex said, “Chestnut Tree House, Winston’s Wish and Home-Start Arun are vital charities, each making such a positive change to the lives of children and families.
“I was overwhelmed by the amount of support at the Banquet and would like to thank Henry, Earl of Arundel for attending and their Graces the Duke and Duchess of Norfolk for allowing us to use their private apartments for the evening. Every penny donated will make a difference to these charities and I feel honoured to have been able to help in some way.”
Christ’s Hospital School Band in the grounds of Arundel Castle
High Sheriff of West Sussex Mark Spofforth OBE and wife Von with volunteers from Chestnut Tree House and Winston’s Wish
From Chestnut Tree House Juliette Macpherson, Linda Perry, Sarah Arnold also Caroline Nicholls, Alan and Elaine Trace and Ambrose and Pauline Harcourt
Dan Dwyer, Jason Bramwell, Mayor of Brighton and Hove Peter West and Christopher Sandland MBE
Families Ayling, Redgrove and Thompson
Henry Earl of Arundel with Chestnut Tree House family Lewis and Victoria Ramm
Celebrity auctioneer for the evening Tim Wonnacott
Guests for dinner in the Great Hall at Arundel Castle
Bandmaster of Christ’s Hospital Band Terry Whittingham with a Beach Boys melody that had guests rockin’
