Barnardo’s flag was flying high at London’s Cafe De Paris
Friday night’s charity event was a triumph
Congratulations to Gary Nunn and his hard-working team
Very many thanks to Dame Shirley from everyone for donating such a generous variety of beautiful clothes and accessories
Not forgetting everyone who came along
Part of the club’s luxurious interior
# Come take a look #
The delightful and friendly Sandra Griffiths of Barnardo’s sold hundreds of raffle tickets. Here she poses in one of DSB’s delicate hats, part of the raffle prize
In addition to the items for auction, there were four racks full of clothes with price tags, starting from just £15 for a DSB original waistcoat. Including superb Yves St Laurent jackets, sumptuous cashmere knitwear and other shopaholic dreams
High quality costume jewellery was also up for grabs. Bling it on!
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THE MERCHANDISE
Silent Auction
A collection of outfits was available on a silent auction basis
Here’s a selection:
Alva Gordon from Barnardo’s with one of Shirley’s kaftans – both stunning!
Don’t pass this one by!
Little evening number
Christopher Biggins made everyone laugh by commenting on this one…
“When did Shirley wear this? – Through her Romanian period?”
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ACCESSORIES
Hats and bags galore
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After the silent auction – the loud auction
Lots 1 and 2 (obviously)
Lots 3 and 5
Lots 4 and 6
Lot 4 (part)
Lot 4 (detail) with an autographed Givenchy case
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Get the party started
After champagne (or iced orange juice) and canapes, the manager of Barnardo’s welcomed everyone, and explained the fine work that the funds are needed for
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Julian Bennet was our convivial host for the evening
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Before the auction, Surely Bassey performed her tribute act. Joanne is as much a fan as anyone… and has done her show in the United Arab Emirates and other destinations around the world. You have to admire her for even trying
Goldfinger
Diamonds Are Forever
Nodody Does It Like Me
I Who Have Nothing
This Is My Life
and finally…
I Am Who I Am
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Christopher Biggins was the perfect auctioneer, with a great sense of humour
After his joke about Dame Shirley’s ‘Romanian’ outfit, he said Shirley is a wonderful woman. The fast-moving auction kicked off in hysterical Biggins style.
A lady was bidding for Lot 1 the Lacroix with two tops. She was – let’s say – bigger than DSB
“It’ll look lovely … in your wardrobe.” cheeky Christopher quipped “Only I could say that!”
The bidding heated up. “Go on you know you want it!” and it went for £400
Lot 2 the Tomasz Starzewski worn at a James Bond Premiere. With fur trim £200
Lot 3 (with the Jimmy Choo shoes included) was exquisite. Shoes were Euro size 38.5, approx UK size 5.
“Anyone want to come and feel it?” Christopher offered the audience, he was referring to the silk embroidery. Sold for £200
Julian sorting out the bling
Lot 4 included a collection of jewellery, including a large cross
Christopher modelled the cross. “I always wanted to be Pope!”
Lot 4 went for £900
Lot 5 “Only Shirley could pull it off!” the Retro Suit. £100
“Tonight she’ll be in Matalan buying some new outfits! Poor thing!” Biggins said
Lot 6 had been donated by the record company. A DVD of the new video and a radio promo CD of The Living Tree. Kindly added to the lot were VIP tickets for 4 people, arranged by 4 Poofs And A Piano. To go to the Jonathan Ross Show studio recording, with access to the Green Room.
“Access to the Green Room… and you get the VDs!”
Realising his faux pas, Christopher said “Ooh that dates me!”
There was a bidding war between two friends, and they agreed to pay £800 each.
There would be 8 Jonathan Ross tickets to share, and extra copies of the discs.
Total £1,600 made these extraordinary discs the most valuable lot of the night
Biggins kept the cheeky rapport going, for example asking a couple “Are you lovers? No, you’re working on it!”
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Then it was time for the star lot – the Gold Swirls Gown
“Easily rivalling the gowns sold at Christie’s. Worn at Elton John’s party. The lot includes photos of Shirley wearing the gown in the company of Liz Hurley, Kate Moss and Joan Collins.”
Surely modelled this gown during its auction, and came on stage looking great
“How does it feel like to be modelling that dress?” Christopher asked Surely
“Fabulous!” she purred
The estimated size 12/14 (big for DSB) gown went for £1,500
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Someone in the audience shouted to Christopher “Can we auction YOUR outfit?”
referring to his dazzling blue and diamante suit.
“£2 – I borrowed it from Shirley.” Biggins replied with a smile.
“We want to see you naked!” a woman shouted from the crowd. which made him smile even more. But he kept it on.
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There was an amusing message from Dame Shirley saying “All these clothes have been worn by me.”
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Surely Bassey then performed her version of “Big Spender” in the glittering gown
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Four Poofs And A Piano took the stage and did a great comedy and singing show
“When you’re hooked on divas and only Class A divas will do… Just say No!”
“You’re very kind. In fact you’re all kinds!”
Comedy songs included ‘Viagra’ in Spanish style, and ‘Botox’ in C&W style
A cool boogie melody got people dancing
Disco medley included Ain’t No Mountain High Enough and I Want To Dance With Somebody
Joanne, always a good sport, joined in the last number
A disco version of Kiss Me Honey Honey Kiss Me
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RAFFLE PRIZE
including some DSB gloves
Crystal jewellery
and that cute hat
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A wonderful evening and enormous fun – Congratulations Barnardo’s!
This event was also described on blog pages March 18th, February 17th and 18th
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