£7,000 FOR WALKING WITH THE WOUNDED
Last Friday saw Warminster School Sixth Former, Charlotte Brumby, host an impressive Gala Dinner for 100 guests in aid of the charity Walking With The Wounded.
Charlotte, in her final year at Warminster, was inspired to organise and host the event after meeting Edward Parker, Co-Founder & CEO of the charity last year during WWTW’s inspirational Walk Of Britain journey which finished at Buckingham Palace and saw six wounded British and American wounded service personnel walk over 1,000 miles through mainland UK.
Charlotte decided to organise the Gala Dinner Night as the assessed project for her Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), a qualification which Warminster A Level pupils are encouraged to take. The equivalent of half an A Level, the EPQ promotes independent learning and involves investigating a topic of choice in depth. It is usually a substantial piece of work and can be in the form of a dissertation, extensive investigation, performance or event which can play to the individual’s strengths and interests.
The Gala Dinner, held in Thomas Arnold Hall, was supported and attended by the Warminster Community, local businesses, Warminster School, Old Verlucians, military personnel, friends and family. The evening began with a splendid Champagne Reception sponsored by David Wiltshire Photography, a silent auction, entertainment from the Warminster School Jazz Band and the wonderful Warminster Military Wives Choir. A four course dinner with wine followed, prepared by Warminster School’s Head Chef Alex Rall, a photo booth provided by Lewis Gadd from Mobile Photo Booth UK and Richard Raw drew the evening to a close with a fantastic DJ set.
The Guest of Honour, Edward Parker spoke about his charity and the necessity to continue to generate awareness for those in real need even after conflicts are over. He said it is not easy organsing fundraising events, persuading people to come along and then getting them to spend.
He personally thanked Charlotte for organising the evening saying, “I am deeply grateful to Charlotte and all those who helped her, particularly Warminster School, for her outstanding efforts raising money for Walking With The Wounded. The event has raised a significant amount of money which will allow the charity to support those veterans who are in the greatest need. Without the commitment and generosity of people like Charlotte, we couldn’t provide the much needed services to those who have struggled the most since leaving the Armed Forces.”
Old Verlucian, Andy Wing attended the evening and kindly donated the evening's ‘item of interest’ for the silent auction – a rare framed Falklands surrender Telex.
Making the donation he said, “I am aware that a number of Lord Weymouth/Warminster School lads ended up 'Down South' in 1982. I used to look at the names on the stained glass window in the Minster Church and reflect that I had been educated in the same rooms as the men who had made the ultimate sacrifice in both World Wars. This was not lost on me, hence I was delighted to help facilitate funds for Walking With The Wounded by donating an item for the silent auction.”
He also commented, “I must congratulate Charlotte on a truly magnificent event. It was both an honour and privilege to attend. I thoroughly enjoyed myself, the Army Wives Choir, School musicians, the DJ, and the catering were all top quality.”
Nicola Rogers, Charlotte’s tutor remarked, “Charlotte did an outstanding job of organising an absolutely brilliant event for such a worthy cause. It was an honour to meet Ed Parker and to hear of the critical work that his organisation supports. I can see why Charlotte had been so inspired by him and his charity, Walking With The Wounded. She has worked tirelessly with real drive, persistence and determination to make the evening the huge success that it was. Not only has she helped raise a very impressive amount of money, which I am sure will make a huge difference, but she has also raised awareness of the vitally important work that this charity does. As Charlotte's tutor I feel an immense sense of pride and I know the School is equally proud of her.”
Charlotte, who hopes to go on to study Creative Events Management said of her event “I have received so much support over the last few months from pupils, staff, Old Verlucians, parents and the local community. Many people gave their time and services freely which allowed us to raise as much money as possible. I am grateful to everyone and to all those that gave generously. I thank Edward Parker for giving up his time to attend, Mr Mortimer for allowing me to use the Thomas Arnold Hall, our chef Alex Rall, the wonderful Warminster Military Wives Choir, Caroline Robinson and the Warminster School Jazz band, Jon Edkins, from David Wiltshire Photography and not least I must thank my tutor, Mrs Rogers, whose support has been invaluable.”
Major General and Mrs Eeles, guests at the dinner, said of the evening, “Meticulous planning and attention to detail meant that all guests gathered to help raise money for Walking With The Wounded, enjoyed a truly memorable evening. From the champagne and pre-dinner entertainment (the Military Wives choir were in fine voice) to the last shapes thrown on the dance floor, every guest was treated to a superb night out. Very many congratulations to Charlotte for pulling off such an event with aplomb, who not only managed to draw in an impressive array of sponsors from around the local area and further afield, but ensured that a charitable fundraising event could be a huge amount of fun!”
The evening raised a staggering £7,000 and this significant sum will be put to good use by the charity. It could put ten individuals through Head Start, WWTW's Mental Health Programme or it could fund three First Step bursaries, which provides grants to gain skills or education.
Well done Charlotte from all at Warminster School and we wish her luck with future endeavours.
GENEROUS SUPPORTERS Edward Parker, Mr & Mrs Mortimer, Nicola Rogers, Jon Edkins, David Wiltshire Photography, Alex Rall, Warminster Catering Department, Caroline Robinson & Warminster Jazz Band, Gareth Williams, Ben Coulson, Warminster Military Wives Choir, Pippa Martin, Olivia Cambridge-King OV, Bath Racecourse, Ken Mortimer & 5 A day, Hunts Foodservice, Andy Wing OV, Richard Raw, Tommy & Angela Meacock, Geoff Harvey, Christine Henney, The Titanic Hotel Liverpool, Anne Meacock, Stella & Nick Aldridge, Hayley Arter, Lyons Seafoods, Steve Ashman, Sharon Gale, Carolyn & Nick Eeles, Rick Clarke, Lewis Gadd, Mobile Photo Booth UK, itoasttoyou.co.uk, Verity Bartlett, Prestige Private Hire, Cathy Humperson, Trish Cambridge-King, Debbie Kennett, Dan & Emma Brumby, Fiona Beach-MacGeagh, Graeme McQueen, Andrew Day, Yellow Balloon Films, David Lent GSM Warminster, Jo Hitchens & Waitrose Warminster, Steve Atkins OV, Chelsea Football Club, Imogen Brumby, Lily Aldridge, Katherine Lund OV, Homewood Park Hotel, Kirsty Gilmour, Beauty Matters, Barbara Mitterrutzner, Janine Knapman, The Cambridge Satchel Company, The Angel Inn Upton Scudamore, The Snooty Fox Warminster, Bite of Delight, Catherine Wilson, Andrew Gulliver & Berkeley Cellars, Judith McCallan, The Cornflower Florist, Marky Sully, Burnley Football Club, Catherine Gaskin, Boden, Gayle Webb, Junction 18, Phoebe Scammell, Xander Veitch, Ben Stone, Freya Austin, Ellen Reynolds, Greta Lani, Mille Eden-Hamilton, Cassie McCormack, Miki Mallett, Danny Ding.