We are delighted to announce the Auction catalogue will be available for viewing two weeks prior to the event at Holme Hall on June 22nd. However! we already have such amazing Auction donations, that we wanted to share some of our excitement with you. So, in no particular order, just a few of the headline lots include:
Gorillas in the Mist – IAN REDMOND
A once in a lifetime opportunity for two to visit Uganda’s mountain gorillas with Ian Redmond. Ian is recognised as one of the world’s top gorilla specialists. It was Ian who accompanied David Attenborough on his iconic 1979 Life on Earth trip. Ian was also the Gorilla specialist who worked with Sigourney Weaver on the Hollywood film, Gorillas in the Mist. Day 1 – fly to Kugali in Rwanda. Day 2 starts with a meet and greet at the airport. The journey will take you through Rwandan mountains and will pass through Diane Fossey’s camp and cross the border into Uganda to arrive at your base camp hotel. You will have a welcome and talk with Ian Redmond. Day 3 will begin with an early start to accompany Ian into the mountain range in search of one of the most incredible creatures on earth – the mountain gorillas. You will have the opportunity to sit amongst them, learn about their habitat, family structures and communication. Day 4 – Visit the Gorilla Organization’s sustainable organic farm and enjoy lunch in the fields. Day 5 – return to Kugali. Internal connections are included, however international flights are not included. (three trips for two people)
Although this is for two people, we can scale the holiday up on a pro-rata basis up to a maximum of six people.
Estimate – £3000-£5000
LION TREKKING in Botswana – Trekking wildlife and tour with renowned lion expert Pieter Kat
Pieter is recognised as being a world specialist on lions and has extensive knowledge of all African wildlife. Both Prince William and Prince Harry stayed with Pieter at his lion trekking camp in their year out and when Prince William, at the end of his year, had one place to choose to go back to, it was Pieter’s research station.
Estimate – £10,000 – £15,000
WILDLIFE TREKKING in Kenya
James Lewis, Born Free patron and TV auctioneer will take two people out to Kenya. Flying into Nairobi, you will visit the Giraffe Sanctuary, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, the Ivory Burning site and monument and the Born Free Office in Nairobi where you will meet the team and learn first-hand about the work they do in Kenya. Next stop will be the Amboseli National Park. This is arguably the best place in Kenya to see Elephants. You will meet Cynthia Moss, a world expert on elephants and you will visit her camp in Amboseli. From there you will visit Sweetwaters camp and have the opportunity to meet the Masai tribe where amongst other experiences you will have the opportunity to help to construct a Masai boma. This is an auction for 2 but can be scaled up to a 6 people.
Estimate – £6,000 – £10,000
SIMON COWELL – Simon is a dedicated supporter of conservation and has donated a surprise lot – which is to be announced!
PRIAVEENT HOLIDAYS – The five star African Adventure holiday company has donated a trekking package to Rwanda – details to follow.
BRIAN MAY – Brian has donated one of his guitars.
DANIEL GALVIN – Celebrity Hairdresser, stylist and the chosen hairdresser for the royal wedding last year. An amazing London package.
STANLEY JOHNSON – Author, former politician and father to Boris Johnson. Stanley will host a lunch for 10 people at Boisdale of Mayfair Restaurant.
JOANNA LUMLEY – A complete one-off bespoke design Moorcroft Vase. Joanna designed it herself.
These are just a few of the amazing lots on offer.
So far, celebrity attendance is confirmed as folllows: John Altman (East-Enders nasty Nick. John has just finished filming Best Marigold Hotel 2), Actor Dan Richardson, and artist Gary Hodges will be attending as well as the artist Sheree Valentine (who will be painting on the evening) and Lettice Rowbotham, British violinist, performer and songwriter. Virginia McKenna, OBE and Born Free Founder will open the event.
If you haven’t already booked tickets, please contact Annabel Lewis on 07515 285843 or Katy Walker on 07951 202481