Online auction will be open to all

This year’s Charity Fundraising Banquet will include an online auction of interesting and exciting lots, many of which are items or experiences not usually available to the public.

The good news is that the auction will be open to all members of the Livery, wherever you might be, in addition to those attending the Banquet in person. Access to the auction can be by computer, tablet or smartphone – any device with an internet connection.

As a taster, here are a few examples of what will be on offer to the highest bidder:

• A box for six at the Mountbatten Music Festival, featuring the Massed Bands of His Majesty’s Royal Marines, at the Royal Albert Hall. The evening will be hosted by Lt Col Hallatt, recently the Principal Director of Music (Army) and now our very own Clerk, and will include a tour behind the scenes and meeting the Royal Marines Master of Music.

• Behind-the-scenes tour of the Guildhall by Deputy Keith Bottomley (presumptive Sheriff) and lunch in the private Guildhall Club for four people.

• A rare opportunity for a day out for two at the famous Silvestone Classic on either of the two days over the August Bank Holiday weekend, hosted by Liveryman Christopher Tate, a member of the prestigious British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC). The day includes visits to race control, the pits and the medical centre – and meeting a Liveryman who will be racing that day. Lunch and tea will be at the BRDC in the company of the great and the good of British motorsport.

We expect to ‘go live’ well ahead of the Banquet, on around 1st June, so there will be plenty of time to look through the items on offer. The details of how to take part remotely will be sent by email to all members of the Company ahead of time.

All the proceeds of your successful bids will go to the Coachmakers’ Charity to allow us to expand our good work in support of young people as we head towards our 350th anniversary year.