We’ve just had the confirmed total back from the Marie Curie centre, in respect of Saturday’s event: £1067.65!

That is a fantastic sum, and we can’t thank everyone enough (although we are trying). Couldn’t have done it without a lot of kind people, both behind the scenes and in front of them…and I hope you all want to do it again next year. I know I’d love to, and my partner in crime, Catherine, is most definitely up for it. How about you?

Yesterday was the charity event, in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care in Newcastle. Cath and I were surprisingly unflustered (although I did go through phases of shy, giggly and star-struck at various points throughout the evening) which is a testament to her fantastic organisational skills.

I have probably mentioned that I was a fan of Jonathan Morrell’s when he was a TV presenter at ITV, and he once read out my birthday on TV (if I told you how long ago and which birthday, I’d probably have to kill you). So, despite him being a lovely man and very approachable, I did feel a bit starstruck when I met him. And, as I’ve also mentioned, when I get nervous, I tend to waffle - he either didn’t notice (I hope) or was too polite to walk away and leave me to it! He was a fantastic quiz master, and the quiz was very well compiled by Cath (somewhat of an expert in this field, after years of practice).

The buffet (by AMOW Catering) was really nice and was incredible value. They always do an exceptional job and we were very impressed with them, and with Sharon Reed, who is responsible for the functions held at Blaydon Rugby Club. Everyone seemed to enjoy it.

Everything went smoothly until we experienced a technical hitch, but it wasn’t the end of the world, and we know what to do NEXT TIME…

The band, Toxic Melons, had stepped in at very short notice and, like Jonathan, gave their time and expertise for free. They played a short set and I heard a number of people praising their music - they seemed like a great bunch of lads, and I applaud them for their efforts. Look them up on MySpace.

The raffle seemed to go on forever, thanks to the large number of kind donations, and we closed with an auction, which bumped the total up considerably. Altogether (not including collection tins) the evening raised around £1050 for Marie Curie. We are grateful to anyone who donated to, supported, and/or attended the event, as we couldn’t have done it without you. We had so much fun, we’re hoping to make it an annual event. I may upload some photos soon but they are available on the Facebook events page. A BIG THANK YOU AGAIN!

I am delighted to announce that Jonathan Morrell, of Real Radio (and formerly of Tyne Tees) has kindly agreed to join us as our special guest host at the Charity Event, in aid of Marie Curie (Newcastle).

Furthermore, we would also like to welcome local band, Toxic Melons, who have generously donated their time to provide live music at the event.

Remember, the event is to be held at Blaydon Rugby Club on 5th September 2009 and begins at 7.30pm. Admittance is strictly by ticket only and they are available for only £10 per person.

So, for a tenner, we’re offering: a door prize raffle entry, a buffet, a prize quiz, live music, a celebrity host and the chance to win numerous fabulous prizes. There will be optional raffles, tombola, name-the-bear stall and a craft stall, featuring some stunning hand-made jewellery. To purchase tickets for this event, please contact me via the form on this website and I will be delighted to sort them out for you. You can pay by credit or debit card, using Paypal or cash/cheque/postal order.

We have catering to arrange, so would be grateful if you can reserve tickets before 30th August, if possible. We look forward to seeing you!

Hi - apologies for not being around much, but I’m back! As you can see from the title of the post, tickets are now on sale for the charity evening, in aid of Marie Curie (Newcastle). The event will take place on Saturday, 5th September 2009 and will feature a quiz, and all the fun of the fair (or the church fayre, as I remember from childhood). There will be a raffle with some incredible prizes - some well-known authors have donated signed books and personal items (I’ll list them at the weekend) and there are things like vouchers, a camcorder, signed sportswear and, of course, some bottles! There will be a craft stall, displaying some stunning handmade jewellery; a name-the-bear stall, the bear (a huge, gorgeous creature) was generously named and donated by a lady and her daughter - I don’t even know them and they made this great donation; there is a tombola full of prizes (this is my favourite stall at any fete I attend, and is where much of any money I take with me goes); there is even a door prize raffle, quiz entry and a buffet included in the ticket price. Entertainment will be provided, subject to schedule, and there may be a surprise or two in store (if I can get anything sorted)!

Tickets are £10 each, and all profits will go to Marie Curie (Newcastle). You can contact me if you are interested - get your quiz team together and get ready for a fun-packed night! There will be a prize for the winning team, too!

I am overwhelmed at the support we’ve had from local people and companies. I’m underwhelmed by the big businesses - not because they have not donated prizes, but because they haven’t replied to me. All I expect is courtesy and anything else is a bonus! That said, if you would like to donate a prize, you know where to find me!

I’m waffling because I’m excited about raising money for such a fantastic cause - please join us!