Oxford News
Blenheim Ball: Nationally-acclaimed charity event success
The fourth Blenheim Ball, held at the historic Oxford venue, raised the funds for Starlight, a national charity that supports children in hospitals and hospices across the UK by championing the therapeutic benefits of play.
The event was compèred by comedian Rory Bremner and attended by around 200 guests, including Starlight co-founder and Dynasty actor Emma Samms.
Other guests included the Marquess and Marchioness of Blandford.
Lady Alexandra Spencer-Churchill, host and member of the Blenheim Ball Committee, said: “I had the privilege of meeting some members of Starlight’s youth panel recently and heard first hand from them how play in healthcare is vital to babies, children and young people.
“This year is particularly special for Starlight as it marks the 40th anniversary and I share my heartfelt gratitude to all those who supported this event through sponsorship, auction prizes, tickets and donations.
“The impact of your generosity cannot be underestimated, and neither can the impact of the work the charity does in hospitals and hospices across the UK.
“Play has the power to transform a child’s treatment and long-term wellbeing, and the committee is very proud to support Starlight’s work in this way.”
The ball was supported by partner sponsors Titan Wealth and Dr. Barbara Sturm.
Guests enjoyed an evening of fine dining courtesy of chef Tom Booton, alongside musical entertainment from the London Essentials and an auction.
Auction prizes included a luxury island escape donated by Voaara Madagascar, aquamarine jewellery donated by The Jewel Gallery and a private culinary experience with Tom Booton.
A family whose daughter has spent much of her life in hospital due to juvenile idiopathic arthritis spoke at the event, sharing how Starlight’s donated toys and sensory equipment, and a skilled hospital play team, helped her cope with treatment.
Cathy Gilman, CEO of Starlight, said: “The night was a huge success, and we’re overwhelmed by the generosity of our guests.
“Their kind donations will give thousands of children receiving healthcare across the UK the opportunity to play, which we know has the power to reduce fear and prevent trauma.
“We give special thanks to our organising committee – Honorary Chair of Fundraising Alasdair Hadden-Paton, Lady Alexandra Spencer-Churchill, Oliver Hardcastle and Olivia McCall, and we are so grateful to everyone who made it such a fabulous evening.”
Founded 40 years ago by Emma Samms in memory of her brother Jamie, Starlight continues to support children across the UK by providing play resources as well as training and support for play professionals.
David Wilson Homes’ The Pavilions, located on Bowlers Close, is now over 95 per cent sold, with just seven homes remaining.
The development offers three and four-bedroom properties designed to suit first-time buyers and growing families.
Helen Lewis, managing director at David Wilson Homes Mercia, said: “We are delighted to announce that we are over 95 per cent sold at The Pavilions and it’s the final opportunity to secure a new home in the community.”
Launched in September 2021, The Pavilions will provide a total of 148 new homes.
The project also includes more than 23 acres of green space, 49 bird and bat boxes, 325 new trees, a wetland meadow, and community allotments.
Ms Lewis added: “We’ve enjoyed great success at the development and it’s been fantastic to see the community take shape.
“We encourage anyone interested in securing a place at The Pavilions to visit our marketing suite to learn more about the properties available.”
More than £750,000 was pledged to support the local area through S106 agreements, including £300,000 for schools and early year education, £186,869 for onsite outdoor sports facilities, and a £34,230 bus infrastructure contribution.
The developer has supported the wider Banbury community through event sponsorships and donations to organisations such as Banbury Men’s Shed and The Let’s Play Project.
All remaining homes are ready to move into, with prices starting from £390,000.
Nearly £38,000 has been donated to Katharine House Hospice in north Oxfordshire over the past 18 months, thanks to recycled metals from cremations at North Oxfordshire Crematorium.
The scheme is part of the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) Metals Recycling Scheme, which recycles metals with family consent and donates proceeds to charity.
Vanessa Moor, site manager at North Oxfordshire Crematorium, said: “We are incredibly proud to support Katharine House Hospice through our ICCM charity partnership, recognising it as our essential local charity.
“Many people don’t realise that, with a family’s permission, metals recovered following cremation can be recycled to benefit charities supporting local communities.”
The most recent donation of £17,000 brings the total raised for the hospice to £37,982.
Ms Moor said families frequently speak highly of the care and support they have received from Katharine House.
The partnership extends beyond fundraising, with crematorium staff volunteering at the hospice’s events.
Sue Blank, corporate engagement officer at Katharine House Hospice, said: “We are thrilled to have Memoria’s continued support.
“The team at the North Oxfordshire site are a pleasure to work with and are always keen to support the hospice in any way they can, whether through volunteering, raising awareness of our work or through this fantastic recycling scheme.”
Waylands Volvo Oxford, based on Cumnor Hill, is inviting drivers to test drive the new Volvo EX60 during an exclusive event from August 21-23.
Recently named the UK’s most exciting upcoming new car at the What Car? Awards, the fully electric SUV combines Scandinavian design with advanced technology and sustainability.
Simon Bishop, general manager at Waylands Volvo Oxford, said: “We’re delighted to welcome local drivers for an exclusive first look at the new Volvo EX60 here in Oxford.
“This weekend long event is designed to be much more than a standard test drive, giving customers the chance to experience the technology that makes the EX60 so special.
“Whether it’s trying the latest safety features, seeing how straightforward fast charging can be or exploring the capabilities of Google Gemini, we want every visitor to leave feeling excited and confident about driving electric.”
The Volvo EX60 P12 AWD model offers a range of up to 503 miles on a single charge – the longest of any Volvo to date.
It can charge from 10 to 80 per cent in as little as 16 minutes.
Inside, the SUV features a spacious, premium cabin with a dashboard-mounted speaker and four contemporary interiors, all crafted from renewable and recycled materials.
Test drives will be guided by a Volvo specialist, who will demonstrate features such as the 360-degree camera, parking sensors, and driver assistance systems.
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