Grand Auction
Pam Volak
Helen Polito
Online bidding has now closed. Please make any further bids in the Grand Auction at the Sale, starting at 12pm.
The Lots
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GARSINGTON OPERA
Garsington Opera is held just outside Oxford in the idyllic setting of Garsington Manor, made famous in the Bloomsbury era. An opportunity to experience the very special combination of opera and exquisite gardens for the final season at this venue. A pair of tickets to any performance of Rossini’s Armida, a romantic opera involving magic powers and, appropriately, an enchanted garden, in June 2010. Also, enjoy a Classic Picnic Hamper provided by Chilli Pepper, during the interval. (www.garsingtonopera.org)
Current Bid: £150
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PRIVATE TOUR OF PINEWOOD STUDIOS
A "money can't buy" tour for two people of Pinewood Studios, Buckinghamshire, home of world class film and TV production, followed by lunch in the Couture Dining Room. Experience the unique atmosphere of Pinewood as you see how fantasy is brought to life on film, at this fascinating and wondrous 200 acre site. There are 34 sound stages, including the famous 007 Stage where Quantum of Solace and most other James Bond films have been made, and the stage where the magic of the Harry Potter books is spectacularly recreated! Tour the vast stages used to film Inkheart, The Da Vinci Code, Mama Mia, the Bourne Identity, Slumdog Millionaire, and so many more. See the huge underwater stage and exterior tank, used for the new Ridley Scott film, Robin Hood starring Russell Crowe. Also, the 3 TV studios used to film the X-Factor title sequence, and a host of other shows. Outside are the beautiful buildings and formal gardens used for location filming. How many stars you spot will depend upon what is being filmed during your visit! Children must be over 12. Valid until end June 2010.
Current Bid: £300
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UNIQUE TO THE DRAGON SALE: BEHIND THE SCENES WITH HESTON BLUMENTHAL
A truly unique opportunity for two people to join the gastronomic adventurer, Heston Blumenthal, at the studios and kitchens as he and his team are filmed preparing and serving an extraordinary Feast to his 6 celebrity guests, as part of the new series of "Heston's Feasts" for Channel 4. Heston heads back in time through a myriad of historical and mythical culinary worlds on a mission to recreate famous period dishes for the ultimate 21st century banquets. Meet Heston and watch him as he prepares and serves one of the Feasts, and marvel as you watch the banquet unfold! There are no studio audiences, just you, Heston, the celebrity guests and the film crew! To be arranged early in 2010 to coincide with the filming of the new series. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Current Bid: £500
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WIMBLEDON LAWN TENNIS CLUB CENTRE COURT
A pair of tickets for the first Monday of Wimbledon 2010 where you will see the winners of Wimbledon 2009, Roger Federer and Serena Williams, play as well as other seeds on the programme for that day. Includes entrance to the Debentures Lounge and car parking.
Current Bid: £180
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BREAKFAST FOR 8 IN THE GREAT HALL, BLENHEIM PALACE
Experience the grandeur of Blenheim Palace, home to the 11th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Set in 2100 acres of beautiful parkland landscaped by Capability Brown, the Palace is surrounded by award-winning formal gardens and the great lake, and is a unique example of English Baroque architecture. Witness the scale of the Palace with its beautiful hand painted ceilings as you sit regally in the Great Hall being served a full English Breakfast. This will be followed by a private guided tour through the State Rooms. To be taken on a date to be agreed in March or April 2010, kindly offered by Their Graces The Duke and Duchess of Marlborough.
Current Bid: £300
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THE ULTIMATE MALE MAKEOVER WITH CHARLES TYRWHITT!
Is there a man in your life ready for a Jermyn Street Makeover? Whether it is your husband, father or son, Charles Tyrwhitt is offering to restyle a man, for a special occasion or just because he desperately needs it! A new man will be created with sartorial elegance beyond your wildest dreams as he proudly emerges with his new wardrobe of one superfine suit, three superfine shirts, three ties, one pair of sterling silver cufflinks, one pair of calf leather shoes and three pairs of socks!
Current Bid: £200
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KORKY PAUL’S WINNIE THE WITCH
Wonderful opportunity to own one of Korky Paul’s beautifully detailed and colourful illustrations. An original preparatory picture for the latest Winnie book called, ‘Winnie’s Amazing Pumpkin’ by this wonderfully talented and popular artist. Also, your own copy of this lovely new Winnie book, especially signed by Korky Paul.
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FROM SIR JOHN MACTAGGART’S OWN CASKS, SIX BOTTLES OF ISLAY SINGLE MALTS
A selection from Sir John Mactaggart’s personal bottlings comprising: Laphroaig 12 year old – 58.5%alc, Lagavulin 13 yr old-49% alc, Lagavulin 13 yr old 60% alc, Lagavulin 14 yr old-46% alc, Lagavulin 21 yr old-42% alc, Lagavulin 25 yr old-46% alc. A rare opportunity for all Lagavulin fans. Just imagine losing yourself in front of a large log fire, cradling a warming glass of Lagavulin in your hand, and forgetting all about next year’s school fees!
Current Bid: £150
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GLORIOUS GARMELOW MANOR, STAFFORDSHIRE
Escape to this stunning Georgian manor house, in the glorious Staffordshire countryside for one week. The house has been beautifully renovated and sleeps 14 in 7 double bedrooms, with 5 bathrooms, so can easily accommodate more than one family. It has 40 acres of spectacular grounds with a lake and boathouse. A full time caretaker on site generally looks after the house and surroundings, will happily clean out fires, sort out logs and willingly do station runs. A housekeeper and catering (up to silver service) are available, and would use the staff cottage, but must be arranged and paid for separately. The house is available all year round, except the Christmas holidays. Stafford station 7 miles, Euston mainline 1.15 mins, Oxford 1.50 mins.
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RADIOHEAD
All you budding Rock stars out there ... here is your opportunity to spend time with one of Britain’s leading musical talents, Colin Greenwood, Bass player (amongst other instruments) of multi award winning rock band, Radiohead.. Colin is offering a 90 minute bass guitar lesson for up to 2 people, at his home studio (just outside Oxford), with not only his expert tutoring, but also a chance to experiment in his studio which has some very serious gear! You would also receive a mega Radiohead goody bag donated by the band which includes ‘In Rainbows’ CD signed by all band members. This is a once in a lifetime, priceless opportunity to learn from one of the greats. Radiohead, winner of both Ivor Novello and Grammy awards, are one of Britain’s greatest rock bands. Their latest album, ‘In rainbows’ was released to critical acclaim, and they are currently in their studio, working on their next album, to be released in 2010. Their album, ‘Kid A’ was recently voted by ‘The Times’ as THE best album of the decade.
Current Bid: £500
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STUNNING LUXURY APARTMENT, NICE ON THE COTE D’AZUR
Spend one week in a luxury apartment in Nice, the famous medieval town nestling in the Cote d’Azur, a short drive from its glamorous neighbours, Cannes and Monaco. The Cote D’Azur offers some of the most spectacular coastal scenery and Nice itself enjoys one of the finest beaches. The apartment is situated in a 1900’s neoclassical building in the much sought after Carre d’Or area close to the luxury Hotel Negresco. A marble staircase leads you to a breathtaking 1500 sq ft third floor apartment bedecked with original features, chandeliers and family antiques. Recently sympathetically restored and decorated to its former glory, the apartment sleeps six in three bedrooms with two bathrooms, and offers a child friendly home from home. Anytime during 2010, subject to available dates at time of booking.
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FANTASTIC COMEDY TREAT — CHILDISH THINGS 6
Four of the best seats in the house plus drinks with the ALL-STAR cast after the show! Full cast still to be announced, but Rob Bryden and Jason Manford have been confirmed, and previous contributors have included Jimmy Carr, Griff Rhys Jones, Steve Coogan and Jeremy Clarkson. The amazing cast give up their time for free to support Helen and Douglas House, and if you have seen one of the five previous Childish Things, you will know that tickets sell out fast, and the incredibly funny humour keeps you laughing all night long! At the New Theatre, Oxford on Saturday 20th March 2010.
Current Bid: £400
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A DAY ON THE SET OF SILENT WITNESS WITH STAR, TOM WARD
A thrilling and unique opportunity for up to 4 people maximum (otherwise too much of a squish and a squeeze in his trailer) to spend a day on the set in London of the immensely popular BBC1 drama ‘Silent Witness’ with one of the stars of the show, actor Tom Ward. Tom plays Dr. Harry Cunningham, a forensic pathologist, so a day spent with him will certainly be one to remember. Watch the filming, meet the cast, have lunch on set and examine the corpses! Old Dragon, Tom pursued a career in acting after leaving university, and has starred in productions ranging from ‘Plunkett & Macleane’ to ‘Pride and Prejudice’ to ‘Hamlet’. In his spare time, he won Celebrity Mastermind, so all in all, you'll have a fun, fascinating and possibly fame-ridden day out. Under 16’s to be accompanied by an adult.
Current Bid: £150
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MESSAGE FROM HORRID HENRY TO ALL DRAGONS WHO WANT TO BECOME RECORDING STARS
All joke tellers, it’s Horrid Henry here. Tee hee! If you think you can tell a joke better than me, then here’s your chance cos I’m here to tell you about a totally amazing opportunity to become a recording super star … just like me!! Those not so horrid Producers at Novel Entertainment are making a brand new series of Horrid Henry stories on audio CD called Horrid Henry’s Gross Guides. All my friends are going to be on it (and my enemies too, worst luck!) and we’re looking for FIVE dreadful Dragons to join us!! All you need to do is to convince your grown ups to bid for this perfect prize at the Dragon Sale!! The five lucky Dragons will be invited to come to our mega-cool Studio in London where you will be recorded telling some fiendishly funny jokes. Then you can appear alongside me and the Gang in one of my brand new Gross Guides. And that’s not all!! You’ll get a special Horrid Henry goody bag on the day and you’ll get your very own copy of the Gross Guides to keep forever!! How cool is that??!!
FIVE places availableCurrent Bid: £221 each for 2 places and £250 for one place
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LUXURY OVERNIGHT STAY AT THE GRAND HOTEL AND A DAY ON A YACHT FOR 6
Arrive at the Grand, Brighton, the iconic five star hotel steeped in cultural history, located overlooking the sea in the heart of vibrant and historical Brighton. Be driven to the Annabel Olivia, a luxury 43ft Bavaria yacht based in Brighton Marina. Meet the skipper and crew, run through a safety briefing and then set sail for the day and view the sights along the coast around Brighton or Beachy Head. You can either sit back and relax or enjoy the thrills of working and piloting a fine cruising yacht. On board you will enjoy a hearty breakfast and lunch, with all beverages included. On returning to Brighton Marina, you will be taken back to the Grand and be shown to three deluxe ocean view rooms. Once refreshed and relaxed, enjoy Table D’hote dinner in the King’s Restaurant with four bottles of house wine and full buffet breakfast the following morning. Anytime in 2010, subject to hotel reservations.
Current Bid: £1200
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HOT DINNER DATE WITH THE HEADMASTER
Delicious curry dinner for 10 people at the Headmaster’s House – cooked and prepared by Mr and Ma Baugh. If you missed out the last time this was kindly (and indeed, bravely) offered by the Headmaster, here is your chance to sample his curry dishes, which are highly recommended!
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BREAKFAST SHOW DJ FOR A DAY ON OXFORD’S AWARD WINNING FM107.9
Sit alongside Sophie & Rosie during the biggest show on the station, the breakfast show – The Wake Up. This enables two children to watch and take part behind the scenes as the show is broadcast live. They will also be the weather reporters for the morning and actually read out the weather on air! Not only that, but they will take home a selection of the latest CD singles from the biggest national and international artists and bands before they even hit the shops! Sophie & Rosie are happy to fit in with any time suitable during weekends or school holidays.
Current Bid: £200
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FABULOUS VALDERRAMA, SOUTHERN SPAIN
With a garden which backs on to the third hole of the world famous golf course, Valderrama, host to the Ryder Cup and the Volvo Masters, amongst others, this villa is perfect for golfing enthusiasts. When not on the golf course, the beautiful sandy beaches of Sotogrande are nearby offering watersports, together with many activities including horseriding. There are also the historical towns of Ronda and Seville to visit. This pretty, typically Spanish style villa has three double bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, large living accommodation, garage, and a twice-weekly maid service included. (More maid service available at an extra charge.) One week subject to availability, excluding August, in 2010.
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A NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM
The new Ashmolean Museum, officially opened on the 2nd December 2009 by Her Majesty the Queen, has been transformed after extensive rebuilding and expansion by renowned architect, Rick Mather. Behind the magnificent façade and portico, which remain intact, the once forbidding museum has been transformed into a temple of space and light. Dr Christopher Brown, who is the Director of the Ashmolean and who led the hugely successful fundraising appeal, is offering four people a very special, personal tour of the magnificent new museum. He will then treat you to dinner in the stunning new rooftop restaurant, Oxford’s first of its kind, reached by a cascading staircase, where Oxford’s spires create a magical sight. The date can be arranged at the convenience of the successful bidder.
Current Bid: £1000
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CHAUFFEUR DRIVEN CAR, CHAMPAGNE AND PRIVATE DINING AT THE ICONIC GHERKIN
A spectacular night out for four. You will be taken in your chauffeur driven car to 30 St Mary Axe, popularly known as ‘The Gherkin’, the unmistakable new addition to London’s skyline, designed by Norman Foster. The split level glass dome 180 metres above the city at the top of the Guerkin, is home to 40/30, a private lounge bar and fine dining restaurant. On arrival you will enjoy a bottle of champagne whilst absorbing the breathtaking 360 degree views across London. You will then be taken to the best table for dinner, together with the best house wines carefully selected by the Sommelier. At the end of an unforgettable evening, just climb back into your chauffeur driven car! To be taken any time in 2010, subject to restaurant availability.
Current Bid: £225
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THE CARRICK FIVE STAR LUXURY RESORT, LOCH LOMOND
This beautiful, exclusive resort enjoys idyllic surroundings located within the Loch Lomond National Park, with a Championship standard golf course, luxurious spa with fabulous roof-top infinity pool, tennis and squash courts, boating and much more. The Carrick Estate is an astoundingly beautiful 300-acres, a third of which has been set aside as a nature reserve. Spend one week in a luxury self-catering lodge for six, set amongst unspoilt woodland, with inspirational views across the Loch. It has two bedrooms, a magnificent open plan living area with vast leather sofas, wood paneling and state of the art entertainment systems. There is a large continental kitchen to create your own private dining experience, beautifully set off with crisp linen and crystal glassware, or indulge in any one of the outstanding restaurants on the resort. Also includes a 90 minute champagne cruise on the Loch in the Celtic Warrior, a 46ft luxury cruiser. Anytime in 2010, subject to availability. www.devere.co.uk
Current Bid: £300
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THE DAILY TELEGRAPH AND TEA WITH SIMON HEFFER
An extremely rare and exciting opportunity to witness the journalists at the top of their field in action, writing for this world class newspaper. One week of work experience, which will shine on any aspiring journalist’s CV. Personally donated by Associate Editor, SIMON HEFFER, the irascible columnist, who will ensure that real journalism, and not just photocopying, is experienced during your week. You can also gear your week towards the news desk most suited to your potential career, such as fashion, arts, sports, comments and so on. Simon will also have pleasure in having tea with the successful bidder! Must be over 16.
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THE ROYAL BALLET PERFORM LES PATINEURS/BEATRIX POTTER AT THE ROYAL OPERA HOUSE
Frederick Ashton’s Tales of Beatrix Potter holds its audiences spellbound. From the moment the impish Town Mice tumble down the giant stairs, disbelief is suspended and the enjoyment begins. Les Patineurs evokes the atmosphere of a winter skating party and is the last word in Christmas card elegance, as wintrily nostalgic in its own way as Fred and Ginger skating in Central Park. A truly magical way to round off Christmas, four to six people can see this wonderful performance in a Box at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, on Wednesday 6th January at 7.30pm. Dinner may be ordered separately in the private dining room adjoining the box.
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BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE BBC NEWS CHANNEL WITH TIM WILLCOX
A fascinating and unique opportunity for two people to enjoy a very special, behind the scenes visit to the BBC News Studios with BBC Presenter, Tim Willcox. A perfect opportunity for aspiring media journalists, or for those just curious to see how the news is put together. The tour will include a look at the national and international newsroom - where you will be able to hear and watch the feeds coming in from around the world. Shadow Tim as he prepares to go on air, preparing interviews and scripts. The winning bidders will also be able to visit the make-up rooms and sit in the output gallery and see for themselves how directors and vision mixers put rolling news and bulletins to air from Television Centre. With a background in newspaper journalism, Tim still regularly writes for the press. He has also worked as a presenter and correspondent for ITV reporting from Rwanda, New York, Washington, Baghdad, Jerusalem, Moscow and other places around the world. Tim has also written, produced and presented documentaries, for ITV, Channel Four and Five. On rare occasions he has also been asked to do cameo acting roles including 102 Dalmatians (Disney), Clueless (Paramount) and State of Play (BBC).
Current Bid: £200
