The Auction
We accept Absentee Bids for our auction items. The auction will be conducted by an experienced auctioneer from Sothebys. If you would like to bid on any of the items listed please contact us on info@thepoppyball.org for an absentee bid form.
A live and a silent auction of some wonderful and exciting items will take place throughout the evening utilising handheld devices in order not to interrupt your enjoyment of the evening.
Here are some of the items on offer. A full list will be provided closer to the date of the ball:
AUCTION PRIZES
1 .Dessert masterclass and boutique tea tasting with former head pastry chef of The French Laundry and world’s most prized boutique estate teas by Lalani & Co:
Once in a lifetime opportunity to Have world renowned pastry chef Claire Clark MBE and the founders of boutique tea curators Lalani & Co run a once in a lifetime dessert and pastry masterclass and boutique tea tasting and then create a bespoke afternoon tea for 10 guests at your private residence. This will include a guided tasting of the world’s most highly prized and exquisite boutique estate teas.
Claire Clark MBE, previously head pastry chef of the three Michelin starred French Laundry, has twice been awarded the prestigious “Best Pastry Chef’ by Restaurant Magazine 1999 & 2005 and Jameel Lalani of tea curators Lalani & Co curates the world’s rarest teas, curating for chefs with over 10 Michelin stars.
Terms: Includes private master class and bespoke afternoon tea with Claire Clark and founders of Lalani & Co. Location in London. Booked within 1 year of winning prize. Mutually beneficial date for the recipient, Claire and Lalani & Co. Does not include cost of ingredients. Menu agreed with recipient in advance. Any staffing cost if required by the recipients will be extra and can be recommended by organisers. A beautiful house in St John’s Wood is available for hosting the tasting if the auction lot is won by out of town bidders.
2 .A VIP day at sea on Her Majesty's warship for 4 guests:
The visit may include an overnight stay or a transit between the port of embarkation and the port of disembarkation.
You will enjoy the unique experience of a day at sea for up to four people in one of Her Majesty's warships as a personal guest of the Commanding Officer. You will be given a full guided tour of the ship and enjoy lunch with the officers or in the Captain's cabin. This will give you the chance to see the Royal Navy undertaking its day-to-day work, and see demonstrations of the ship's role and capabilities; an opportunity not available to the general public. It should provide a fascinating and enduringly memorable experience.
Prize winners should be British Nationals who are relatively agile and expected to ascend/descent vertical ladders unaided, follow emergency procedures, and be able to use a lifejacket independently. The prize is non-transferable with personal insurance and travel costs to and from the event met by the individuals. It is expected that the Prize should normally take place within 12 months of the date of the auction and every effort will be made to offer a maximum of 3 opportunities but due to the nature of this prize, these may be at short notice. (Reserve £3000)
3 .A Day at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst:
A day for 2 guests at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Escorted by the Academy Sergeant Major; The Senior Non-Commissioned officer in the British Army (held in Awe by all cadets). Experience the life and challenges faced by an Officer Cadet about to be commissioned into the British Army, meet the staff and tour the Army's most iconic estate. The day can be tailored to any taste and will not require any physical ability.
4 .A stunning Clive Christian X Handbag:
This is a special order handbag kindly donated by Clive Christian. The handbag is hand crafted in Italy in patent black leather and stamped with the official hallmark of the Clive Christian Coat of Arms. The interior is lined with a uniquely printed silk featuring the artwork of Egyptian Jasmine that is at the heart of X for Women Perfume. A 10ml X for Women Perfume Spray is placed with the handbag which is in turn placed in a black velvet dust bag for safe-keeping in a black lacquered presentation box and signed by Clive Christian OBE, creator of The Worlds Most Expensive Perfume.
The Clive Christian X handbag retails at £2,100 and is available in limited availability or to order exclusively from Fortnum & Mason in London.
Kindly donated by Clive Christian.
5 .A made to measure outfit from Gieves and Hawkes:
An outfit to the value of £2000 from our Private Tailoring collection of made to measure suits. The Gieves & Hawkes Made to Measure is a combination of the finest ready to wear procedures but with the flexibility of personalisation. Creating a unique garment is the appeal of made to measure, and the Gieves & Hawkes service provides the perfect opportunity for gentlemen to feature all those small details that define the individual. The service includes a wide variety of fabric and trimming offerings. A large selection of fabrics from top mills, a new and improved block fit. Only the finest fabrics and the highest quality design and production is put into a Gieves & Hawkes garment. Through ensuring only working with the best craftsmen, combined with unprecedented skill, knowledgeable consultants and superlative service, Gieves & Hawkes made to measure enables you to create modern classics and timeless personal pieces.
Kindly donated by Gieves and Hawkes
6 .Tandem Skydive with the Royal Regiment of Artillery:
This prize is for 2 tandem dives for 2 guests. The Tandem Skydive is the most popular way to experience the rush of free-fall with the minimum of training. After a short 20-30 minute briefing, you and your experienced instructor will don a parachute system designed for two.
Together you will board the aircraft where you will then be attached to instructor for the remainder of the skydive. After a short flight and climb to around 13,000ft, attached to the front of your instructor you will leave the aircraft and accelerate to speeds of over 120mph!! You will free-fall for around 45 seconds and may carry out certain manoeuvres such as free-fall turns.
At around 5,500ft the instructor will deploy the large controllable parachute and will return you safely to the ground; the parachute ride will last about 4 minutes.
There are 4 full time members serving on the team. They are all regular serving soldiers on loan from one of the 15 Regiments within the Royal Regiment of Artillery and most have served on active operations from Afghanistan to Northern Ireland. Jumps take place at Airfield Camp, Netheravon, Salisbury.
7 .The Ferrari & Maserati Experience for 2 people:
Maranello Ferrari & Maserati has represented Ferrari for 50 years and the Dealership is located near Heathrow airport in Egham.
This is an invitation to visit the business and hear about the world of Ferrari and Maserati. There are always interesting cars at the business including the full range of Ferrari and Maserati cars such as the New Ferrari 458 Italia and the Maserati Grandcabrio.
There will be the opportunity to be driven in a selection of cars and subject to insurance criteria the opportunity to test drive them as well.
* For two people
* Drivers must be 25 or over with a full driving licence, a minor conviction may be permissible for insurance.
Additionally depending on timings[Spring next year as driving at the Test Track is not possible in the winter] this can be combined with one of our professional driving days when qualified performance driving instructors enhance the driving experience both on the road and testing track.
8 .A year's membership at Guard's Polo Club:
Polo is played 6 days a week from April to September with most high profile matches being played at Weekends.
Membership is excluded from the following days, but members discounts apply for tickets: The Cartier Queens Club Final
The Audi International Polo Day
Kindly donated by Guards Polo Club
9 .Watch a 41 gun Royal Salute in Hyde Park:
An opportunity for up to four guests to attend a Royal Salute in Hyde Park followed by lunch in the Officers' Mess as private guests of the King's Troop Officers, at the Wellington Barracks.
10 .2 Nights in The Sport Hotel Hermitage & Spa, Andora:
During the winter, the hotel is ideally placed for skiers, with the ski lift to the Grandvalira slopes located right next to the hotel building. You will also find ski rental and other facilities in the local area.
This offer is for 2 nights accommodation based on 2 guests sharing on a bed and breakfast basis.
Easy Transport: Barcelona airport (frequent daily bus service to Andorra and Soldeu or car hire)
11 .Dinner For Four At The Carlton Club:
Dinner for four guests at the Carlton Club in London. The voucher entitles the winner to a pre drink followed by a complementary three course dinner for four with a half bottle of Club wine per person in the Wellington Room.
The Carlton is one of te oldest London Clubs whose history dates back to 1832 when it was founded by The Duke of Wellington. It is housed in a spectacular Georgian building (1872) and located in the heart of St James's, the premier location in London.
Subject to availability and must be used by 31st March 2014.
Kindly donated by The Carlton Club
12 .Two Executive tickets for the Manchester United at Old Trafford:
Two Executive tickets on the centre line with excellent views. For the Manchester United Premier League Match at Old Trafford at a date to be agreed with the donor in 2013. The tickets are in the Executive seating area of the stadium and include free entry into the Members Bar and Dining Room which is reserved exclusively for use by Executive Members
13 .A Louise Bradley Ice Bucket and a Bottle of Belle Epoque:
A handsome Louise Bradley silver plated ice bucket with a pony-skin wrap.Kindly donated by: Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP. Together with a bottle of 2004 Belle Epoque Champagne signed by Mayor Boris Johnson.
14 .Two nights at Les 5 Djellabas Marrakesh:
Two nights, bed and breakfast accommodation in one of the eco-lodges at Les 5 Djellabas in Marrakesh. Offering and outdoor swimming pool and a terrace with a view on the surrounding palm grove. This guesthouse is located 7 km from central Marrakech, where area attractions include Bab Debbagh, Djemaa el Fna, and Marrakech Museum. Area attractions also include Bahia Palace and Almoravid Koubba. In addition to a restaurant, Les 5 Djellabas features an outdoor pool, a poolside bar and a bar/lounge. Flat-panel televisions come with satellite channels. Guestrooms also feature refrigerators, air conditioning, and climate control. It has a hammam and free Wi-Fi internet access.
Valid for 6 months from November 2013
Kindly donated by: Les 5 Djellabas Marrakesh
15 .Dinner for two in the Montblanc Room at Mosimann's including wines and a private Butler:
Step into the Mont Blanc Room and enter the private realm of timeless splendour. The smallest private dining room in the world, the subtle shimmer of its oyster walls is highlighted by the centre showpiece chandelier exclusively created by Montblanc for the club, a cascade of crystals in Montblanc signature black and white.
The Montblanc room seats two and has its own personal butler who will attend to your every need, summoned by a call button when needed.
16 .A Night at the Victory Services Club:
One night stay with breakfast and Dinner for two guests at The Victory Services Club, 63-79 Seymour Street, London W2.The Victory Services Club (VSC) is a prestigious Private Members Club for retired and serving members of the Armed Forces, located at Marble Arch in the heart of London's West End, a 2 minute walk from Oxford Street.
The Club was founded in 1907 to promote "esprit de corps" among retired Armed Forces of ALL Ranks by providing accommodation and support to needy servicemen and their families. It amended its charter in 1970 to include serving members of the Armed Forces and their families.
Since its formation, the Club has attracted many famous Patrons including General Eisenhower, Field-Marshal Earl Alexander of Tunis and Field-Marshal The Viscount Montgomery of Alamein. In 1957, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh became the Patron-in-Chief, and remains so to this day. With around 48,000 members, the VSC has the largest membership of any Military Club in the country.
Available for six months from the 7th of November 2013.
Kindly donated by The Victory Services Club
17 .Dinner for two in the Boston Room at Woodcote Park:
Dining at Woodcote Park, in Epsom, is always a pleasure, never a chore. Make a special occasion one to remember in the newly refurbished Boston Room, light and airy in summer, cosy and inviting in winter. This prize is Dinner for two in the Boston Room including house wines.
During 2013, as a feature of the Woodcote Park Centenary, their chef's would like to take you back in time by reproducing some of the dishes that Auguste Escoffier and other leading chefs at the beginning of the 1900's made famous. August Escoffier was possibly the world's most influential chef, overseeing the kitchens of the iconic Savoy Hotel and the Carton Hotel and his influence still lives on today making the foundation of modern cooking.
Valid till November 30 2014. Kindly donated by: The Royal Automobile Club.
18 .Dinner for two guests at The Cavalry and Guards Club:
Dinner for two guests with a bottle of house wine at The Cavalry and Guards Club, 127 Piccadilly.
History, tradition, timeless elegance and quiet efficiency plus that all important personal touch, are the hallmarks of The Cavalry and Guards Club.
This gracious building, which is more a home than an institution, is situated at the Hyde Park Corner end of Piccadilly, in the heart of Mayfair, with wonderful views of Green Park. The ambience is relaxed and the standards are high. valid: 2013/2014
Kindly donated by The Cavalry and Guards Club
19 .Christmas at the Guildhall concert and black tie dinner::
Two tickets to the RBL concert and black tie dinner at the Guildhall on the 12th of December 2013. This make a stylish start to the Christmas season - with choirs, celebrity guest readers, traditional carols, seasonal music and more. With music and singing led by The Bach Choir, and other musical guests, these promise to be splendid evenings of verse, prose and song all designed to get you into the mood for Christmas. The concert is followed by a three course black tie dinner.
20 .A Personalised Mason Pearson Hairbrush:
A Mason Pearson hairbrush, personalised with a bespoke engraving and signed (to be delivered after the Ball in order to have the engraving carried out with preferred wording)
Retail Value £400
Kindly donated by Charlie Mason Pearson
21 .Art History Lectures at THE COURSE:
Enjoy any 5 lectures at THE COURSE. If you are fascinated by art, history and music you can choose 5 lectures, guided walks or museum visits from their exciting range of programmes. Founded in 1994, The Course offers a stimulating range of art history studies which cross over into literature, music and opera. Their lecturers are highly qualified and well known. With small, informal and friendly groups you will have the opportunity to socialise and exchange ideas with like-minded people. They are based at The University Women's Club, 2 Audley Square, London W1K 1DB near the Dorchester Hotel. All sessions take place on week day mornings between 10.45 am and 12.45 pm. Guided walks reveal unknown gems and gallery based courses explore London's lesser-known and often overlooked art collections. www.thecoursestudies.co.uk
22 .Two tickets to The 2014 St Petersburg Ball in London:
Two tickets to the St Petersburg Ball in London on Saturday the 15th February 2014 (in aid of The Children's Burns Trust) which will be held in the beautiful Grand Ballroom of the Landmark Hotel in Marylebone. The vast majority of the ball guests obey the suggested dress code (19th century), with full decorations for men and tiaras for ladies, which makes for a wonderfully colourful evening. The music is provided by a leading military orchestra, just as it was in the days of the Russian empire. The dance programme is entirely 19th century, which is enormously enjoyed by all. The ball guests will already have learned the dances at the dance practices held during the preceding months. The evening begins with a vodka and champagne reception, followed by a banquet in the ballroom. The dinner is followed by dancing until 2.00 am

