SOMERSET NEWS: Old Mill helps to support St Margaret’s 35th anniversary

MORE than 200 people attended a glittering ball to help celebrate St Margaret’s Somerset Hospice’s 35th anniversary.

The ball, which was organised by West Country accountants and financial planners Old Mill, raised a staggering £12,426 to help fund St Margaret’s vital work in Somerset.

The theme of the evening was Springtime in Paris and Old Mill’s Adam Sealey serenaded people as they arrived on his violin while professional model makers Nigel Keen and Tim Bee created a light sculpture of the Eiffel Tower which was displayed in the hall.

Guests were treated to a four course meal provided by the hosts Hazlegrove School before being entertained by local band Eventine.

Rupert Cox, chief executive from the Royal Bath & West Society, was the compere for the evening, which also included a silent auction and a raffle of a Methuselah of champagne, which raised £1,600.

Each of the 22 tables were hosted by Old Mill staff and head of marketing and real ale enthusiast Alan Stone manned the bar.

PHOTO – TOP: The Springtime in Paris Ball Committee – Old Mill staff (from left) Lisa Anderson, Carolyn Matravers, Kim Barnard, Debbie Cole and Paula Hodge.

PHOTO – RIGHT: Compere for the evening – Rupert Cox, chief executive of the Royal Bath and West Society.

Paula Hodge, head of private client at Old Mill and a member of the Springtime in Paris Ball Committee, said: “One in three people in Somerset will need the support of St Margaret’s during their lifetime, so it really is an essential community service. We felt we wanted to give something back, and holding a big fundraiser to mark the 35th anniversary seemed like a good way to do that.

“We are overwhelmed by the support of local businesses and individuals and absolutely thrilled that the ball was such a success. The money raised will go to support the high quality, responsive and compassionate care that St Margaret’s offers patients and their families facing a life-limiting illness.”

Ann Lee, chief executive at St Margaret’s Hospice, added: “I would like to thank Old Mill and Hazlegrove School for their generosity and support with the organisation of the Spring Ball held in celebration of our 35th anniversary.

“The amount raised is fantastic and it will ensure that we can continue to provide high quality end of life care to those with life limiting illnesses across Somerset.” 

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