SILENT AUCTION LOTS (31)

The silent auction is held without an auctioneer. People place their bids on the appropriate piece of paper allotted for each promise which will be laid on tables in the hall. During the party you place a bid by crossing out the name and bid on the paper, increasing the bid, and adding your name to the line below. You’ll need to keep an eye on the bidding sheet as someone could easily come in with a higher bid. At a specified time we’ll stop the bidding. The person with the highest bid for the promise will be the winner.

1. A Tom Sullam photographic print Tom Sullam, Fuji Photographer of the Year, winner of the One Vision Photography award and finalist in the BBC Photographer of the Year competition, is offering a print of your choice from among his stunning colour landscapes or B&W prints as displayed on his website. The unframed print is available in two sizes: 50 x 50cm or 50 x 35cm and will be sent rolled in a tube. To see the selection, go to www.tomsullam.co.uk Validity of promise - one year from November 4, 2013 Value - £200 Starting price - £30 (reserve £75) Offered by Joanna Sullam

2. Kate Greenaway-style embroidered initial

A charming christening present or for a grandchild - a small (approx. 6”x6”) embroidered initial worked in cross-stich to the famous and very recognisable Kate Greenaway design. The initial will be mounted in a simple white frame. The winning bidder can select their letter at the auction; a sample letter will be available to view. Dates of availability - November 25, 2013 Value - £20 Starting price - £8 Offered by Kerstin Lewis

3. Perennial Advent calendar with an added treat What an indulgent way to mark Advent - a set of hand-knitted tiny socks in rainbow colours each containing a small Green and Blacks chocolate bar. One for each day of Advent, this makes an amusing way to countdown to Christmas. You’ll only have to replace the chocolate in Advents to come! Dates of availability - available at the auction Value - £30 Starting price - £15 Offered by Kerstin Lewis

4. £500 voucher for Halcyon Days Halcyon Days is an emporium of antique gifts in Mayfair, . They specialise in enamel craft, still made in their own workshops where the craft began in the 17th century. Their luxury products – enamel boxes and bangles, fine bone , cufflinks, shawls and scarves - are of the highest quality. This is an opportunity to acquire some really special Christmas presents! Go to www.halcyondays.co.uk for a full description of their products. Voucher available on auction night Validity of promise - To be used by November 30, 2013 Value - £500 Starting price - £100 Offered by Paul Cutts

5. A week's holiday on the sunny Costa Blanca, south of Alicante Perfect for a golfing holiday, this holiday apartment located in a palm-fringed modern complex is close to four golf clubs. The apartment sleeps four and is exceptionally equipped with all mod cons. There are even two sets of golf clubs available for guests. For those for whom golf is less of a draw, the beach is only a ten minute drive away and the beautiful salt lakes of Las Salinas de San Miguel not much further. And the weather is excellent for much of the year! For more information, see www.propertyhounds.es, Ref. VW031

Dates of availability - By arrangement with the owner. The apartment is rented frequently, so dates would be negotiable. A stay can begin on any day of the week. Extra cost - None except airfares and transport. Included will be rental, air conditioning/heating costs and cleaning fee. Validity of promise - until November 2014 Value - £300 Starting price - £100 Offered by Andrew Daniels

6. A private one-hour guided tour of the New Hall Art Collection, Murray Edwards College, Cambridge - 6 lots for up to 4 people The New Hall Art Collection, a permanent collection of paintings, prints and sculptures, solely by women artists, is the most significant collection of women’s modern and contemporary art in Europe. The emphasis of the Collection is largely on the latter part of the 20th century up to the present day, with a particular strength rooted in the 1980s. Internationally-known artists such as Maggi Hambling, Barbara Hepworth, Dame Paula Rego and Judy , among many others are exhibited in the striking contemporary Grade II listed setting of the College which was designed by Chamberlain, Powell & Bon in 1960. The guide is the collection’s Art Administrator, Sarah Greaves. For more information, go to www-art.newhall.cam.ac.uk. Dates of availability - Monday to Friday, 10am -6pm; one tour only, which has to be co-ordinated with all the winning bidders Validity of promise - until November 2014 Value - £20 per lot Starting price - £5 Offered by Anne Francis 7. Two tickets for any concert given by the Carducci Quartet The international award-winning Carducci Quartet is recognised as one of today’s most exciting young string quartets. Based in the UK, the quartet holds residencies at Trinity College of Music in London, University and at the Cork School of Music in . Two tickets to any of their concerts in any part of the UK are on offer.

For more information about concert dates, go to www.carducciquartet.co.uk Dates of availability - The quartet gives one or two in London, and several in the London area each year. Please liaise with Clive Tulloch. Validity of promise - until the end of 2014 Value - £50-80 Starting price - £25 Offered by - Clive Tulloch

8. A day's work- shadowing a museum educator This is a unique opportunity to learn about the work of a museum educator, Ruth Briant, and is particularly suitable for a person who is interested in working/volunteering in museum education, especially with primary age children. The location could be one of Museum of London, English Heritage's Apsley House, Fulham Palace Museum, etc.

The winning bidder could, for example, observe an object-handling session with Ruth where the class(es) will handle and study historical objects, such as a Roman oil lamp. Alternatively, the children might dress up in replica costumes, taking up the roles of Victorian servants.

Dates of availability - by arrangement Location - in a London museum Validity of promise - before the end of the 2013/14 school year. Value - inestimable Starting price - £40 Offered by Julian Briant

9. Intensive adult piano course for adults Have you always wanted to play the piano but thought that it was too late to learn? The Adult Intensive Piano Course specialises in one-to-one concentrated learning. It consists of 5 x one hour lessons ideally spread over 2 - 3 weeks (it can be spread over four if necessary).

This tried-and-true method allows the learner - either a complete beginner or someone who played a little as a child - to perform interesting pieces using both hands by the end of the fifth class. See www.pianocourse.co.uk for more information.

Location - Lessons only taught at the teacher’s home in Stoke Newington, London. Validity of promise - Until November 2014 Value - £300 Starting price -£100 Offered by Jill Owen

10. Trip to Goodwood in an E-type Jaguar Bob Lloyd, a self-confessed petrol head and husband of Heather Lloyd, Alto 2, is offering a half-day outing in his 1963 E-type Jaguar, one of the sexiest cars known to man. Bob and the lucky winning bidder will get off to an early start, in time for a Sunday morning Classic Car Sunday breakfast meeting at Goodwood. For lovers of heavy revving and fast acceleration!

Schedule: 6am departure from Bromley, Kent. Arrive Goodwood 8am, return to Bromley by 1pm. If you wish you can stay with the Lloyds the night before to be ready for the early start or be picked up on route (if you live on route!).

Dates of availability - by mutual agreement. A Sunday in spring, summer or autumn 2014. Validity of promise - until December 2014 Value - inestimable Starting price - £100 Offered by Heather Lloyd

11. Dog-sitting for up to We will look after your dog(s) in our home while you go on holiday, for up to 2 weeks. We currently foster dogs for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in Old Windsor, but can book dates when we need to be free for friends' dogs. Your dog will have constant company, walks every day, and all their home comforts, and may in fact have a better holiday than you!

We will aim to stick to your rules (eg whether the dog is allowed on the sofa), but the dog will sleep downstairs in our house. Please discuss any specific requirements and to arrange transport/delivery etc.

Conditions - maximum of two friendly, house-trained dogs. Please provide their normal food, bed, toys and anything else they normally need. Dates of availability - Not available between April 6 and 21, 2014. Three months’ notice needed. Location- Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire Validity of promise - To be booked by November 2014 and taken within 18 months. Value- £300 Starting price - £100 Offered by Naomi and Gary Wordsworth

12. Introduction to traditional Indian Carnatic music for up to 4 people If you’ve ever enjoyed Indian classical music in performance and wanted to know more about it, this informal session given by Candy Connolly, provides a perfect introduction. Candy, a music teacher and recognised expert in Indian classical music, will give a two-hour overview of Raga and Tala (melody and rhythm) as used in the Carnatic tradition.

Carnatic music, which has its origins in Southern India, is mainly vocal music so there will be a chance for singers to try making the sounds whose production is completely different from those of Western classical music. And, there’s also a chance for violinists to bring along their instruments; Candy also teaches Indian violin music. Her two books, published by Schott Music, form the basis of her workshop sessions.

For more information, go to www.candyconnolly.co.uk Dates of availability - weekdays only, during the day or evening, to be mutually arranged with Candy and the winning bidder. Location - in West London Validity of promise - to be taken by January 2015 Value - £250 Starting price - £100 Offered by Shane Connolly

13. Professional career counselling with an expert executive coach and career advisor James Martin is offering a one-hour career counselling session tailored to the individual’s specific needs. For example, the session could be used to help think through short and long term career options, to practice for an interview or to understand the business cultures where the individual would be happiest.

James works for Egon Zehnder, a global executive search firm, and has the professional expertise and long experience to help people find the right career and job. This is an exceptional opportunity to get some top-quality career advice.

Dates of availability - by mutual agreement Location - either face-to-face in central London, or in West Sussex. Alternatively via phone or Skype. Validity of promise - no end date Date - by arrangement Value - £350 (non-corporate rate for individuals) Starting price - £50 Offered by James Martin

14. Half-day of Culinary Coaching The Culinary Coach is a highly personalised tutoring service for anyone who wants to cook but lacks confidence. One-to-one coaching is the essential element: you set the agenda and do the hands-on cooking, with guidance and advice from a trained cook/ executive coach/adult education specialist.

A half-day session allows you to develop particular skills or to make 2 - 4 new dishes which could be that day’s meal for guests or family or even the freezer. And there’s plenty of advice about providing maximum impact with minimum effort!

For more information, go to www.theculinarycoach.co.uk

Location - either in London W6, or in the person’s house. Offer limited to within the M25. Dates of availability - by mutual agreement Validity of promise - until December 2014 Value - £160 (ingredients included) Starting price - £40 Offered by Clare Brigstocke

15. One-hour ballroom dancing lesson Are you glued to Strictly Come Dancing? Fancy giving it a try but don’t want to embarrass yourself in a dance class? Former competitive dancers Claire and Robin Schlinkert are offering an hour's lesson in ballroom dancing to a beginner couple. Your choice of ballroom dance – waltz, tango, quickstep etc. - in a private and encouraging environment, working with experienced dancers who enjoy teaching. Getting onto the dance floor need never be an ordeal again!

Date and Location - to be agreed mutually Validity of promise - to be taken before February 2014, or after August 2014 Value - £60 Starting price - £30 Offered by Claire Schlinkert

16. Two-day public speaking course Would you like to speak in front of a group with ease and presence? Would you like to change how you feel about public speaking? Are you scared of being the centre of attention? John Dawson, an experienced and highly supportive trainer, runs a very successful public speaking training business.

He is offering a place on one of his two-day courses. Training in a small group in a relaxed and supportive environment, you'll work on losing your fear and improving your personal and professional communication skills. And by the end of the course, that dreaded presentation or wedding speech will be something you can take in your stride.

For more information, go to www.speaking-infront.co.uk Dates of availability - see course dates on the website. A one-day course can also be substituted. Location - courses are held in London, Bath, and Validity of promise - until November 2014 Value - £350 Starting price - £100 Offered by Clare Brigstocke

17. Nordic Walking course for 2 on Wimbledon Common Do you enjoy going for a walk outdoors in the company of others? StrideOutdoors is offering two places on a Learn to Nordic Walk course on Wimbledon Common. Nordic walking can be used to help improve fitness, tone up, lose weight and generally improve health. This form of exercise takes pressure off your knees and joints and is also great for back and neck problems. It’s suitable for all ages and fitness levels and is also great fun.

The winning bidder has the choice of either two 1.5 hour sessions or four one-hour sessions which are offered throughout the year at various times and on different days.

For more information, go to www.strideoutdoors.com Dates of availability - not Sundays Validity of promise - until Nov. 4, 2013 Value - £90-£120 Starting price - £30 Offered by Tony Reiss

18. Proof-reading of a long document Proof-reading is so much more than a computer spelling or grammar check. For important documents, like academic essays and theses, the accuracy of correct syntax and meaning is crucial. It is also highly useful to have an intelligent person, distanced from the subject, check for understanding and readability.

This offer consists of proof-reading a long document by a very experienced and fastidious reader who will be able to suggest word substitution or query meaning, as well as correcting misprints.

Conditions - English only. Communication by email; the document can be supplied as hard copy or email OK. Technical material can be included but in that case only the text will be checked, not the validity of content. This offer does not include fact-checking. Validity of promise - end of December 2014 Value - depends on length of document! Starting price - £40 Offered by Marion Gaskin

19. Three lots of two bottles of Caves de Lugny, Crémant de Bourgogne Rosé Made from 100 per cent chardonnay grapes, this classy Burgundy sparkling wine is a good substitute for Champagne. It’s dry and fresh, with subtle delicate apples and pears to the fore. A super aperitif, and only 11.5 per cent alcohol.

Available on the auction night Value of each two bottle lot - £24 Starting price - £10 Offered by Sam Gordon Clark

20. 1 bottle of Graham's Vintage 1985 port Graham’s are one of the most outstanding producers of vintage port. These Douro Valley wines are renowned for their remarkable, richness, concentration and firm tannic structure which combines to give them remarkable longevity. Malvedos grapes are responsible for providing the famous house style: intense floral notes and opulent berry fruit flavours.

Available on the auction night Value - £70 Starting price - £25 Offered by Sam Gordon Clark

21. Highgrove gardening gauntlets – 2 lots These high-quality gardening gauntlets are made from protective leather and soft suede featuring the Highgrove logo. Excellent for protection against brambles. Made exclusively for Highgrove by a tannery in Shropshire. 21 a. One women’s pair 21b. One men’s pair

Available on the auction night Value - £35 per pair Starting price - £15 Offered by Shane Connolly

22. Turkey, chestnut and sage en croûte This dish is lovely, hot or cold, for a buffet or dinner party around Christmas. It’s made from minced turkey, chestnut purée, fresh sage, onion, garlic, brown breadcrumbs and egg, all encased in puff pastry. You can also freeze it successfully for use later. It serves 6-8 people.

Dates of availability - date arranged with the winning bidder to bring the dish to a rehearsal in a cool bag which can be frozen at their home. Validity of promise - Preferably before Christmas 2013, but could be extended Value - £15 Offered by Jan Whittle

23. Holiday cottage in Wales between Abergavenny and Hay on Wye A week’s holiday in a three-bedroom cottage in Llanthony Valley, Monmouthshire, a stunning area within the Brecon Beacons. This traditional village cottage is right on the edge of magnificent countryside, excellent for walking and hiking. It sleeps up to 5, in one double room, one bunk-bedded and one single room with WC.

See www.cottageguide.co.uk/henllan for more details and photos.

Conditions - no animals and no smoking in the cottage. Cleaning and utilities included. Date of availability - all year round but by arrangement. Rental usually starts on a Saturday but other days could be arranged by agreement Validity of promise - No time limit. Value: £250-400, depending on the season Starting price - £100 Offered by Morag Bushell

24. Expert appraisal of book manuscript Susie Nicklin is offering a professional appraisal of a manuscript or book proposal - fiction, non- fiction, poetry or children's book. The response will either suggest that the manuscript has potential to be published, and if so what the next steps are; or, if not, reasons why.

Susie started her career at The Bodley Head publishing house, to become a literary agent. She has also held the post of Director of Literature at the British Council and is now non-executive chair of The Marsh Agency.

Conditions - Not science, academic, medical, technical, educational books. Validity of promise - none (you may not yet have started your masterpiece!) Value - £250 Starting price - £50 Offered by Susie Nicklin

25. High Heels recital This talented a cappella female vocal quartet is offering to entertain your guests at a private or business event. They will perform a recital of close-harmony songs, both popular and classical music, of about 10-15 minutes duration. The winning bidder can express a music preference. Their favourite songs include: Mister Sandman, Summertime and Here Comes the Sun.

Dates of availability - date and times to be arranged by mutual negotiation Location - within the M25 preferably. Travel expenses to be reimbursed if further afield Validity of promise - one year Value - £350 Starting price - £150 Offered by Amanda Barron, Fern Dickson, Annie Ingrassia, Frances McConnell

26. Vintage mink coat If you like vintage clothing, this 50s-style fur coat is the ultimate in period credibility. It’s made from Canadian black pearl mink, is silk-lined and 45” in length, probably a size 10. And there’s nothing like fur to keep you warm, vintage glamour apart.

Dates of availability - available on auction night to try on, and take away Value - £20 Starting price - £5 Offered by Diane Hume

27. 24 personalised decorated cupcakes Neil Young, the King of Cupcakes, will whip up a batch of stunning and delicious cupcakes to your specifications. Red sprinkles on green holly leaves for a Christmas tea, gold and white stars for a christening or glittery with sparklers for a mad birthday. Can you resist them?

Validity of promise - to be redeemed by the end of April 2014 Value - £48 Starting price - £15 Offered by Neil Young

28. A hand-knitted throw Gaynor Coules will knit or crochet you a warm woollen throw, made of patchwork squares, either to drape over a sofa, or for a child’s bed, made to your colour specifications. The dimensions are as follows: Knitted: 6 squares x 10 plus border: size 8 needle: 37" x 63" (94cm x 160cm) Crochet: similar but the open-texture usually means they end up bigger.

Available by Christmas, if the throw is to be crocheted, longer if knitted. To be discussed. Value - £50 Starting price - £25 Offered by Gaynor Coules

29. A year's subscription to guided mindfulness meditation app and site - Headspace.com Practising mindfulness meditation is an excellent way of reducing stress and anxiety, and enhancing performance in all areas of life. It helps you lead a happier and healthier life. But finding the time to meditate everyday can be surprisingly difficult.

This app – available for your tablet or mobile phone – makes it easy for you to take 10 minutes out of your day. Just log in to access over 365 days of unique content, with a new meditation every single day and lots of support. Whether the focus is on calming the mind, increasing creativity or improving relationships, you'll find it that the Headspace app makes it easy for you to improve your mental well- being. For more information, go to www.headspace.com Dates of availability - voucher code available on the auction night Validity of promise - 1 year's subscription from day of subscribing Value - £60 Starting price - £20 Offered by David Cox

30. 2 x Christmas puddings Jo , wooden spoon in hand, is making 2 x 2lb dark and fruity Christmas puddings, so that you don’t have to rush round to Marks and Spencers at the last moment. And, a home-made one is definitely superior to the shop-bought version. They will come in 2 pint pyrex bowls. Available on the auction night Value - £10 each Starting price - £5 Offered by Jo Houston

31. Bavarian Brotzeit food hamper German-born Annegret Pelchen-Matthews will use her local knowledge to put together a traditional Brotzeit (supper) hamper of Bavarian food and drink items up to a total of £25. The hamper can include beer, various sausages and Sauerkraut, German bread or Bretzel, Bavarian potato salad, Apfelstrudel etc. The choice of items is up to the winning bidder. Validity of promise – until November 2014 Conditions - Delivery to be arranged, preferably London area. Please note some items have limited shelf-life, details to be discussed. Value - £25 Starting price - £10 Offered by Annegret Pelchen-Matthews