The Radley Foundation

Events Photo Album

The Silver Ball - Friday 18th November 2011

A remarkable and unforgettable Ball was held in London on Friday 18th November in aid of the Armed Forces Fund, and was attended by 900 friends of the three schools involved: Radley, Downe House and St Mary's, Calne. 

The Silver Ball took place in the Planit Supernova venue on the Embankment thanks to William Bailey (1968 D) and Diana Bailey (Downe House). In total the Ball raised the amazing sum of £250,000.

View photographs from the Champagne Reception, the Dinner, the Live Auction and the dancing to the MadHen Party Band.

Richard Huntingford (1969 E), who chaired the committee organising the event, compered the evening which started with a Champagne Reception. This was followed by a splendid dinner served in style and enormously enjoyed by all. After Richard's welcome there was a 'Pause for Reflection' when Robert Hall of the BBC (1967 E) had conversations on the stage with Sally Thorneloe (widow of Lt. Colonel Rupert Thorneloe), Anthony and Colette Dalzell (parents of Lt. Dougie Dalzell) and with Harry Parker (1996 D) who was severely injured by an IED in Helmand province. It was a most moving interlude that taught us much about why The Armed Forces Fund is so important.  A Live Auction followed with Charlie Ross in outstanding form as the auctioneer: the ten items raised £121,000. In the meantime a silent auction was held, raising a further £68,000, and the dancing began to The MadHen Party Band.

Carriages at 1.00am brought to a close an occasion which had touched many hearts, brought together numerous friends and raised the Armed Forces Fund to well over £1,000,000 in just a year.