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Wycliffe, Stonehouse, Gloucestershire GL10 2JQ
Tel. Senior +44 (0)1453 822432 | Tel. Preparatory +44 (0)1453 820470 |
Wycliffe College Incorporated is a Registered Charity No 311714
and is a Company limited by guarantee and registered No 255632 in England and Wales
site design - The Creative Consortium
Step Back In Time
On Saturday 19th November, Wycliffe hosted its ‘Step Back in Time’ 1940s inspired Dinner Dance with an Auction of Promises
The event proved to be a sell out and raised well over £30,000 for the school’s two main fundraising projects, the Chapel organ fund at the Senior School and Adventure Playground at the Preparatory School.
The evening got off to a swinging start when guests arrived to be greeted by an American GI with his 1940s Army Jeep and a ready supply of ‘Nylons.’ They were then welcomed into the Wycliffe Hall, which had been transformed into a glamorous setting, befitting the era but without a hint of 40s austerity!
After welcome drinks and canapés and the opportunity to admire the amazing array of 40s style eveningwear, the assembled were then asked to take their seat ready for dinner. They were addressed by Andrew Walker, Executive Chef for Chartwells (the school’s caterers), who set the scene for the dinner and explained that the venison dish they would be eating for their main course had been practised the day before, when he had cooked the same dish for Her Majesty The Queen. Andrew, a born entertainer, had mouths watering and stomachs rumbling with his vivid description of what was to come. There followed a sumptuous four-course meal, which everyone agreed was one of the best dinners they had ever had.
With the meal finished and more wine flowing, Chris Price, current parent and professional auctioneer at Edward Symmons LLP, opened the bidding and impressed everyone with his linguistic dexterity. Chris soon had hands raised as he smoothly moved through the lots, encouraging a spree of competitive bidding from all those taking part! It was a pleasure to watch a true professional at work. Our thanks go to Chris for making sure that all lots went for an excellent price.
As the clock struck 10.00pm, the ‘Five Star Swing Band’ went into action. They set about recreating the Big Band sound of the 1940s, which included the iconic sounds of Glenn Miller, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra and Benny Goodman. The band soon had everyone on their feet and the dance floor swinging to the music of a bygone age… not even Craig Revel Horwood of Strictly fame, would have been disappointed by the moves on the dance floor. With the final notes played and taxi cabs waiting, the revellers departed having had a truly amazing evening.
Thank you to everyone who assisted in making this event such a wonderful success.
