Saturday 22 February 2014

Zumba for Elliot

Elliot's doing lots of physical training for his operation at the moment.  If you'd like to get in on the action, there's a fundraising Zumba event next weekend. 
Details below - note the all important cake raffle for when you're done exercising...!




Friday 21 February 2014

Another busy week

After a fantastically successful week in the run up to Valentine's day, this coming week is another busy one for our wonderful supporters.

Let's take a look back at Valentine's week first.

There was a coffee morning and beauty treatments at The Lemon Tree salon in Tuckton which raised £337, a coffee morning and raffle at Elliot's Grandma's house, 'The Great Toy Sale' at Twyford School in Winchester which raised £814, A classical concert on Valentine's night at St Peter's Church in Poole and, of course the Operation Elliot Valentine's Dinner and Auction at the Captains Club in Christchurch.

Regular readers will know that there were some amazing goodies, holidays and experiences donated for the Valentine's auction by businesses in Bournemouth and further afield - across the UK as well as France, Austria and Switzerland.  Congratulations to all the winners.  We're still sorting out the income from that night but it's well over £7,000. All in the week that we exceeded the £30,000 fundraising milestone, a wonderful achievement.

During the week after Valentine's Day Clare Hookem managed her very first 5k run at the Glow in the Park fun run - running at night in this freezing cold weather! Well done Clare for getting your medal - and for looking so perky at the finish line.

So what inspiring things are coming up this week?
This Sunday please go down to the seafront between Boscome and Bournemouth piers to support Carol Francom Davies who will be cycling between the piers 16 times - to make up 25 miles.  We all know it's going to be cold but there's the added pressure of cycling on sand due to the recent storms. Oh Carol, we do hope it will be okay for you, you've been training throughout this grim winter.


We imagine some more grim training is in order for Sophie, Helen and Jules who will be starting a three day puree diet on Thursday 27th Feb.  If you're anything like me and enjoy your food, now might be the time to get to www.justgiving.com/operationelliot to give them some encouragement!

And finally, on 28th February Elliot's Granny and friends are hosting an acoustic gig and supper at home. We're delighted to say that tickets have sold out for this, which is great news - another successful fundraiser before it's even taken place.

We continue to be so grateful to everyone who is chipping in, either by simply spreading the word or organising events or doing their own challenges.  It really keeps us hopeful that we'll make the total for Elliot. Very, very exciting!










Monday 10 February 2014

Operation Elliot Auction - email your bid now!


We are delighted to present this selection of some of the items for auction at our Valentine's Dinner.
If you can't be at the dinner on Friday but want to bid, please email your maximum bid to operationelliot@gmail.com by midday on Friday 14th Feb 2014.
The subject line must include AUCTION and the Lot number. 
**Conditions apply, please see end of post below**

Happy Bidding!

 Collector's items 

LOT#1 Goalkeeper gloves signed by Artur Boruc and Match Shirt and Programme signed by Luke Shaw
Artur is one of the goalkeepers for Southampton Football Club First Team and 
Luke is number 23, an up and coming player who plays for both under 21 and First team at Southampton Football Club

LOT#2 Football boots signed by Adam Lallana and Limited Edition Luminous Yellow Training Top also signed by Adam Lallana, No 20
Size 7 Puma football boots donated by Adam Lallana – Captain of Southampton Football Club and member of the England squad who recently played against Germany.  These are signed and embossed with the name of his son Arthur as a special commission

LOT#3 Jack McKenzie signed Star Wars pictures
Star of stage and screen, Jack McKenzie (also known as Deck Lieutenant Cal Alder from The Empire Strikes Back) has donated some pictures from his time on the set of this classic film for us. These are great items for any Star Wars fan and as Jack has offered, very kindly, to co-host our auction, he is willing to sign the pictures too.

LOT#4 Football boots signed by Rickie Lambert and Limited Edition Luminous Yellow Training Top  also signed by Rickie Lambert,  No 7
Size 10.5 Nike football boots worn by Rickie Lambert who is a valued member of Southampton Football Club First Team and also an England squad member.  Rickie recently played in England matches against Chile and Germany and also scored a goal against Burnley in the F.A.Cup.

LOT#5 Signed Bournemouth AFC away shirt.
Signed by whole team on 21st January 2014.

LOT#6 LEGO Master Builder Academy Products
Exclusively created for America and extremely hard to find in the UK this is a one off opportunity to obtain all of the following sets:
·     Space Designer
·     Action Designer
·     Adventure designer

LOT#6A LEGO Movie set
·      Exclusive set for the release of the new Lego film

Experiences/Days out


LOT#7 Location Photo Shoot with Samantha Taylor
1 hour photo shoot on location in Bournemouth or Poole including a minimum of 20 high resolution images.  Valid May-December 2014

LOT#8 Day fishing permit x 2 at Orchard Lakes in New Milton
Situated within 56 acres of farmland in the New Forest national park, our well established lakes have grown from strength to strength throughout the years to become one of the most prolific fisheries in the south.  Orchard Lakes has something for everyone as the lakes are stocked with 12 different species of fish over 5 lakes. We offer everything from match fishing, with bags of fish weighing in at over 300lb, to species hunting with large carp, bream and tench to be caught.

LOT#9 Use of Southbourne beach hut for 1 week.
Located on Southbourne beach near to Gordons zig zag this is an ideal spot to watch the waves or use as a base for some beach play. Date July/August. Daytime use only.

LOT#10 Afternoon Tea for two at the Chewton Glen
Enjoy a relaxing traditional English Afternoon Tea for two in the luxury of the Chewton Glen hotel in Hampshire.  Featuring a selection of teas, sandwiches and cakesthe afternoon tea is available daily, excluding bank holidays, until 18th December 2014.

LOT#11 Tour for 2 people of Palmers Brewery in Bridport
Palmers Brewery is the only thatched Brewery in the UK and is situated in the hills on the outstanding Jurassic Coast.  The tour is valid from Easter –October 2013 and takes you through the historic brewery buildings giving an insight into the brewing process.  The tour ends with beer tasting where you will receive a Palmers glass tankard commemorating your visit!

LOT#12 Day course in Japanese Art of Ikebana
To be held in private studio in Harbridge introducing you to this disciplined art form in which nature and humanity are brought together.   Course includes all flowers and plant material, use of Japanese containers and kenzans needed for the day.

LOT#13 AFC Bournemouth Hospitality Package for Bournemouth vs Doncaster Rovers, 1st March 2014
This fantastic package includes tickets to the match, a 3 course dinner and afternoon tea at half time! 

LOT#14 Mercedes F1 factory tour for four people at Brackley with signed year book
This is a money can’t buy opportunity!!! 
The 2013 year book is signed by drivers Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton and Ross Brawn and Toto, the team principle.
LOT#15 Night out at Poole Greyhound stadium
Includes a meal for 4 people in the Gallery Restaurant and admission and racecard for any Tuesday or Sunday race evening.  Valid until 27th May 2014.

LOT#16 18 holes of Golf at Canford Magna Golf Club
Canford Magna
One round of golf for four people any time!  Do book the tee time well in advance on 01202 592552.






 Holidays 


LOT#17 A long weekend in ‘The Peep’ cottage in Pentewan, Cornwall.
The Peep is over 150 years old and is in the picturesque village of Pentewan on the south coast of Cornwall, between Mevagissey and St. Austell.
The Peep is perfect for families. It is just 2 minutes walk from a safe, sandy beach and has two bedrooms (One Double, One Bunk bedroom), a Bathroom with Shower and a fully equipped kitchen. Here is the website for more details: http://www.cornwallholidaycottage.co.uk


LOT#18 1 Week in a self catering holiday flat in Southbourne, Bournemouth. – Belle Vue Grange.
For a great holiday in Southbourne look no further than Belle Vue Grange. Ideal for
families this self contained flat sleeping up to 6 with everything you'll need for a comfortable stay in Southbourne is just a few minutes walk away from the beach and is within easy reach of Christchurch, Bournemouth town centre, New Forest and Hengistbury Head. Southbourne has safe waters and plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby. If you enjoy walking there are beautiful coastal walks to discover and stunning views to see.

LOT#19 1 Night’s Bed and Breakfast in Bournemouth premier Eco Hotel - the Green House Hotel.
The hotel opened in April 2010 to rave reviews and in November 2010 was named ‘Small Hotel of the Year’ at the Bournemouth Tourism Awards. Everything about the hotel is green…They’ve taken care of the usual things, of course, like using energy efficient lighting, and asking guests to reuse their towels. But you would expect that. And let’s be honest, these things alone won’t change the world. They know, as you do, that to make a real difference they need to make some big changes. So over the past four years they’ve done over 100 things to make sure everything about the hotel has been designed to spoil you without spoiling anything else. Needs to be taken before April 2014. Available Sunday to Friday only!


LOT#20 2 Night’s Easter Break in Stratford-upon-Avon at 4* Macdonald Swan's Nest Hotel, Bed & Breakfast only.
Macdonald Swan's Nest Hotel is one of the most popular 4-star hotels in Stratford-upon-Avon. Set on the banks of the Avon, less than a 5 minute walk from the centre of Shakespeare's town, this 17th century red brick townhouse

With direct access to historic theatres and Shakespeare Houses, the hotel is a popular choice for family holidays, leisure breaks and romantic weekends as well as business, weddings and special occasions. It boasts superb hotel accommodation, stylish meeting and function rooms and all residents have complimentary use of the Vital Health and Wellbeing club at the nearby Macdonald Alveston Manor Hotel.  Available Good Friday – Easter Sunday 2014 only.  (Friday 18th to Sunday 20th April 2014)

LOT#21 A Weekend Break for two at Ham Farm Holiday Cottages in North Devon
Ham Farm Country Cottages has been in one family for generations. It comprises six luxury country cottages and farmhouse offering a unique opportunity to experience natural Devon at it's unspoilt best. Idyllically set in the peace and tranquillity of the countryside just a short drive from North Devon's spectacular coastline.  Surrounded by five acres of carefully landscaped gardens and grounds with a further 100 acres of pasture and woodland to enjoy - it is an island of undisturbed peace, rich in wildlife and offering a variety of interesting walks, space to breathe, relax and forget the rush of modern living. Yet in less than one hour's drive you can find plenty of interesting places to visit and many varied activities.  To be taken in April, May or June 2014

LOT#22 One week stay in a cottage in Normandy, France. Sleeps 6. Available to book any week between Saturday May 24th and Saturday June 28th
The cottage is just outside the village of Notre Dame du Touchet close to Mortain and St Hilaire du Harcouet on the Normandy / Brittany borders.  It is Ideally located for exploring both Normandy and Brittany. Clean deserted sandy beaches about half an hours drive, as is Mont St Michel, and there is excellent fishing all around the area and four golf courses easily accessible. The D day beaches are about 90 minutes away.  Access from the ferries is easy with St Malo (60 miles) being about one hours drive, Cherbourg (98 miles) two hours , Caen (80 miles) one and a half hours and Le Havre about  two hours away.

The cottage is one of 3 houses situated at the end of a long private road about a mile outside the village.  Set on the edge of a quiet and peaceful valley they enjoy a peaceful and tranquil location ideal for a relaxing holiday.  The children (and adults) can really be free to run around and make as much noise as you like. A shared solar panel heated pool system is also available with a smaller baby/learning pool with a solar panel/ramp leading down to the main pool 5m X 10m in size.

The cottage offered is situated by a wildflower meadow/orchard the cottage has a well equipped kitchen, utility room with downstairs toilet and washing machine.  There is a lounge-dining area with wood-burner and French windows out onto a large patio area with outdoor table and chairs, sun loungers & BBQ. Sleeping: Family bedroom with double bed and single chair bed; double bedroom with vanity unit; small bedroom with two small single beds.  Separate toilet. Bath/Shower room with wash basin. 

Lot#23 One week stay in Austrian chalet between 23 May 2014 and 21 June 2014
Chalet Kolbnitz is a traditional Austrian detached house with garden on the sunny side of the beautiful Mölltal valley in Kolbnitz, National Park Hohe Tauern. 

The spacious house features sleeping for 6 in 3 bedrooms (no bunk beds/sofa beds), a bathroom with roll top bath, a shower room, 2 toilets, a kitchen with breakfast table and a lounge/diner with corner sofa & dining table. Two bedrooms have balconies with great mountain views, while in summer there is a wood decked terrace where you can enjoy the view with a glass of wine at the table. 

The central location in the Mölltal valley is perfect for summer and winter holidays amongst the lush rivers, lakes and mountains. It has two funiculars for hiking in the mountains, a rafting centre, a horse riding centre, tennis courts, a swimming pool & restaurants/bars, also nearby is Millstätt with its beautiful lake & golf course. 

Accommodation only. Flights can generally be found for between £100-£140 from London airports.


Terms & Conditions

1. Auction organiser's decision is final.
2. Lots are to be accepted as described, are not transferable or refundable and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
3. Emailed lots will be taken as sealed bids to the auction on 14th February 2014. Highest bid (email or in person) wins. Highest email bid will pay no more than £10 over the next highest bid or reserve.
4. Emailed bids closes at midday on Friday 14th February 2014.
5. Holidays include accommodation only. All flights, transport and any other requirements will not be provided.

Monday 3 February 2014

Classical Valentine's Concert


If you missed out on tickets to the Operation Elliot Valentine's Dinner, how about a classical concert instead? 

Some fantastic international musicians have agreed to perform on February 14th to support our cause, all organised by Madina and Jon Nicholas and friends. 

Feel free to contact operationelliot@gmail.com if you'd like to get in touch with the organisers directly.

In aid of OPERATION ELLIOT
ST PETER’s PARKSTONE CHOIR
SUPPORTED BY THE POOLE PASSION
PRESENT YOU
Laureate of international competitions
LUKA GADELIYA (organ) and
CHRISTINA ESHBA (soprano)
Programme includes: works by J S Bach, N A Rimsky-Korsakov, G F Handel

Friday 14th of February at 19.00
St. Peter’s Church
Church Road
Parkstone
Poole
BH14 0NN
Free Entry! Donations welcome!