The Mayor and Mayoress’ charity ball and firewalk

The Mayor, Councillor Neil Houston and his wife, Veronica English, hosted a very successful Charity Ball at Silvermere Golf Club, Cobham on Friday 7 March raising funds for their chosen charities Home-start Elmbridge and The Mayor of Elmbridge Trust Fund.

The Mayor and Mayoress were pleased to welcome over 100 guests from across Surrey and beyond including Councillors, Mayors from neighbouring boroughs and other dignitaries. The room looked stunning with glitter ball décor, twinkling lights, red roses and tables full of sparkle. Fundraising took place during the evening with the traditional raffle and auction. Guests were very generous whilst they enjoyed the delicious three course meal. A superb DJ from U and I Entertainment provided an array of 70’s and 80’s music along with a photo booth to capture the guests’ evening. Dancing continued until carriages arrived at midnight.

Olive Leach, Development Officer of Home-start Elmbridge, spoke about her passion for the charity. She highlighted the work that Home-start Elmbridge do, the impact it has on families and how beneficial their work is within the borough.

The Mayor and Mayoress are extremely grateful for the continued support from Chelsea Football Club, Barclays Bank and a number of local businesses for their generous donations. The evening raised £21,252.

The Mayor said, “It was a fantastic evening and I really appreciated the contributions made to help raise funds for my chosen charities, Home-start Elmbridge and The Mayor of Elmbridge Trust Fund. My guests shared how much they enjoyed the evening and my wife and I were extremely grateful that it was such a success.”

On Thursday 20 March, more than 80 participants joined The Mayor and Mayoress in a Charity Firewalk at Painshill Park, Cobham also in support of the Mayor’s charities. They each walked 20 feet across embers burning at up to 800 degrees Fahrenheit! 

Throughout the evening Painshill Park staff sold drinks and hosted a delicious BBQ, while DJ’s Baz and Michelle from Brooklands Radio kept guests entertained with their music. There was also a raffle and light up toy sale for the children.

The evening was a triumphant success with everyone taking part collaboratively raising over £29,000 with donations continuing to be made.