Apologies for the delayed post loyal readers, I know I promised I would post my coverage of this event on Sunday but I was whisked away for a lovely short break (more on this later).
On Friday 20th April I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the above mentioned event. As many of you know, my sense of direction leaves somewhat to be desired so I was not relishing trying to find the venue hosting this event. Luckily for me, one of the contributors to the fundraising raffle was kind enough to suggest we car share and go along together: unluckily for her the beautiful arrangement she had prepared for the auction [see here for examples of her work: [http://www.vintagefloraldesign.co.uk ] did not survive the emergency braking she had to do when a kamikaze cat leapt in front of her car up the narrow country lane which I live. The cat survived though so - technically - she’s a hero; well done Gwenda at the Vintage Floral Design Company.
Entering the car park of Tonbridge School several minutes later than planned we were both rather in awe of the grandeur of the venue: Tonbridge School is distinctly unlike any school I’ve ever been to – excellent choice of venue Steph and congratulations to you for being able to secure it for your event. Following the sign posts (a school with sign posts in the grounds?!) we found the E.M Forster theatre and the huge crowd that had gathered to learn a little bit more about the author Susan Lewis and to help raise funds for Breast Cancer Care. Trays and trays of canapés and gorgeous pink ribbon cupcakes were laid out for guests to enjoy; along with glasses of champagne. Waiting in the reception I had a good look round at all the other guests; male, female, young and old were all gathered and then I spotted the author herself. I was immediately struck by how glamorous Susan looked and how down to earth her demeanour was.
Guests were all then guided to the auditorium for the evening’s presentation, question and answer session; and the much anticipated raffle and auction. The evening kicked off with a brief overview of the need for charities such as Breast Cancer Care. The aim of this organisation is to get the best possible support and information for anyone affected by cancer. It was also strongly emphasised that this charity is not just for women: two out of every twenty people diagnosed with Breast Cancer are, in fact, men. An acknowledgement of thanks was given to:
Tonbridge School for kindly hosting the event
http://www.tonbridge-school.co.uk/hire/
Random House publishers:
www.randomhouse.com/
PR Louise Page for introducing Steph and Susan to one another and for always being a support to Steph in planning such events:
lcampbell@randomhouse.co.uk
Amanda Watters at the Goody Bag Company for providing the goody bags for guests:
http://www.goodybag.org.uk/
Choccywoccydooadah for providing a masterpiece of a cake for auction:
www.choccywoccydoodah.com/
Catherine Glazebrook for being a photographer with a smile and for auctioning her services:
http://www.catherinehillphotography.co.uk/
Louise Hudson for providing the cupcakes - even though she was called by accident
The Pink Power Ladies for being a team and for being true friends at the same time
Lynn, Lisa and Chloe at Breast Cancer Care for not being driven absolutely mad by constant calls about event planning.
The evening progressed smoothly into the “In Conversation with” and to help you all get to know the author a bit better I have tried to transcribe as much of the Q&A as possible for you: as this is fairly lengthy it will be included in a second post. It’s great to get to know the author behind the books and a really enjoyable evening was had by all.
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