Blog

An unprecedented shift to an earlier than normal start time of 5:45 p.m. (because of and England World Cup football tie) didn’t hinder audience numbers who congregated in the Finlay Suite at Phyllis Court Club for night 4 of this year’s event.

On arrival, guests were treated to mince pies and mulled wine courtesy of Phyllis Court, and Oaken Grove Apple juice (and gluten free mince pies) courtesy of the night’s partner Orchard House IFAs.

Fundraising and the raffle on the night were in aid of one of the club’s supported charities for the year, Rivertime Boat Trust.

At 6:15 p.m., the audience were invited to file through into the ballroom to take up their seats as local jazz collective WotJam (who hail from Whitchurch on Thames) began to play.

The 7 piece band treated the audience to a number of up beat and festive numbers, including a Christmas medley (Winter Wonderland, Let It Snow, Jingle Bells) and Santa Claus Is Coming To Town, encouraging some dancing from some of the audience.

Raffle prizes including donations made by Nicola Baker Bakes, Experience Henley and THP Solicitors but the star prize for very much a 2 hours cruise for 12 on a Rivertime Boat, and event organiser Richard Rodway then auctioned off another cruise to ensure it was a bumper night for the charity, and indeed it at £488 it was the most the event has ever raised at Phyllis Court.