Ball raises �10,000 for local restoration project

THE organising committee of the Finchingfield Charity Ball is celebrating after raising �10,000 to go towards an ambitious local restoration project. Almost 120 turned out for the lavish event on Saturday to raise cash for The Finchingfield Almshouse Trus

THE organising committee of the Finchingfield Charity Ball is celebrating after raising �10,000 to go towards an ambitious local restoration project.

Almost 120 turned out for the lavish event on Saturday to raise cash for The Finchingfield Almshouse Trust. The event was hosted by Sir Timothy and Lady Ruggles-Brise at The Stables, Spain's Hall, and was sponsored by The Red Lion pub.

The evening included a meal, special champagne raffle and an auction with a range of lots including tickets to an Arsenal football game, a holiday in Abu Dhabi and a supply of cakes for a year. The auction alone raised over �7000.

Chairman of the organising committee, Jeremy Toynbee, said: "The event surpassed every expectation. We had a target of raising �8000 so to top it by over �2000 in the current financial climate is wonderful.

"The committee would like to thank all our supporters, guests, sponsors and Sir Timothy and Lady Ruggles-Brise for the commitment they have all shown to the evening."

The Finchingfield Almshouse Trust is a charity responsible for the management of the village's medieval Guildhall.

The grade I listed building is currently mostly unused and in a poor state of repair but the Trust aims to give it a major makeover to provide an enlarged village library, village museum and function room.

Trustee Jackie Bargman said that the money raised from the ball would be a big help. "This tremendous sum of money will help in our fundraising efforts," she said. "The Trust is aiming to raise nearly �2 million to transform the Guildhall into a multi-purpose community venue and tourist attraction.

"I would really like to pass on the thanks of the Trust to the committee who have been so successful with the ball.