Martins Gala Ball 2004 At The Hilton Avisford Park Hotel On Saturday 20th November 2004

What a wonderful evening for the 236 guests attending the 4^th Gala Ball for Martins Fund raising money for Meningitis Research.

At the outset Two cheques were presented to Spencer Dayman Meningitis UK. The first, for £3812, represented the total of the sponsorship of the Bognor walkers who collectively walked over 500 miles of the final stages of the National walk from Peterhead to Lyme Regis in October. The second was from MFMF for £10000 which will go towards funding a trial of a potential vaccine for Meningitis B.

The proceeds of Paul’s L plate Challenge – 6 cars 18 learner drivers and 6 Driving Instructors who ventured to Lands End and back- totalling in the region of £4000 were also presented.

There was some consternation amongst the guests when it appeared that the smooth professional flow of the evening was about to be interrupted with a problem about the secret cabaret. But it was all to continue the suspense of who, exactly, was the mystery cabaret. Suddenly a brass band could be heard out of sight and then the Bournemouth Carnival Band marched into the ballroom ----dressed as 25 Spidermen!!  Uproar! nay pandemonium! as they proceeded to perform a host of Marching Band numbers in marching formations on the dance floor with comedy routines and general clowning, much of which with audience participation. Their packed programme lasted a side splitting 50 minutes and ended with “The Great Escape”.

(Note to Ray “how do we top that for next year?”)

The impact was quite stunning and the sweet course of the excellent 5 Course meal went untouched for much of the cabaret performance! Our compere for the night was Erik Jack whom many of you will know and he did a fine job of keeping the evening on course and running the auction. The dance band once again was the superb City Connection and guests were able to let their hair down (those who have some to let down) on the dance floor or loose their shirt in the casino when not being pestered to buy raffle tickets or bid in the auction.

Thanks to all the Guests who gave so generously, the Bournemouth Carnival Band and City Connection who performed Free of Charge.
The evening raised the staggering amount of just over £8000!

To view the Pictures taken from the Night please select the appropriate category below :

( Many Thanks to Paul Young, Dan Smith and Bill Matthews for your Pictures )

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