Glamour, Glitz and Bubbles in aid of RNLI, 21st March 2015

We photographed a great event on Saturday. It was arranged by the Wood family who tragically lost their son, Stuart in 2009. The family wanted to learn about the search parties and this started their involvement in fund raising for the RNLI. Below is the story in Audrey’s words:

“Six years ago on 1st April 2009 flight 85n came down just of the coast of Boddam, 16 lives were taken including our son Stuart. Many months later we wanted to know how the search parties were involved in the search for the helicopter and the 16 bodies. We went to meet Fraserburgh RNLI and could not get over the emotions and the sincerity of these men. They told us of how upset that they were having to return back to shore as it became too dark for them to carry on searching, and how they left again on first light to begin searching again for our loved ones. The compassion and the comradeship touched us and even more so when we realised that they were all unpaid volunteers.

We decided to raise funds the first effort was a football match in Newmachar against Buckie Thistle. Then Kerry and I decided on a more female event, and in 2013 we held our first glamour, glitz and bubbles event at the Douglas hotel. The response for our events have been amazing, and with sponsorship from companies we have managed to take our small plans to a higher level. The support with raffle donations and auction items have been overwhelming and both Kerry and I have undertaken all the work without a committee. However without the loyal support of our family and friends we couldn’t have done it all. Until yesterday we had raised over £80,000 and the money has went  primarily to Fraserburgh and Peterhead, as they were involved in the search.Recently we have managed to include Aberdeen, Buckie and Macduff. Yesterday’s (Saturday 21st March, 2015) event raised another £19,000 and a late sponsor from Aberness Care kindly offered to top it to £20,000.

Auction items kindly donated from companies made a great deal yesterday, including a prize of a champagne dinner for 10 people at NEWMACHAR hotel, (kindly donated by Linda and Grant) also encouraged our guests to donate yet again.

Entertainment yesterday was from Mike Loszak, the Driftars, and also the Aberdeen RNLI crew.

The hospitality and service from Mary Martin and her team at the Douglas Hotel was exceptional.

David, the photographer from aberdeenphoto.com was brilliant, and he was certainly very comfortable being in a ballroom of 250 ladies.

The compere, Mr Ian Thain, was excellent and certainly made the auction prizes sell.

Kaycee and Chloe sold raffle boxes throughout the day and 170 raffle donations were won.

Joe, Kerry and myself are grateful for all the support, sponsorship and donations that make this event so fantastic and enable donations to our Heroes of the sea, the RNLI volunteers.

Audrey Wood”

I remember when this happened in 2009 and coming from the village of Newmachar, I knew the Wood family. When Natasha, my daughter, brought Audrey’s appeal for a photographer for her event to my attention, I was delighted to offer our services. I assisted David photographing all the ladies in groups on arrival, and it was obvious to me even at that stage that it was guiding to be a fun and lively afternoon. David went on to take over 900 photographs and there are 457 on-line to choose from. The PhotoBooth was very popular and it looked like everyone was having a great time.

You can view and order the photographs here. There is 10% discount for orders placed in the first 30 days.

We also have an offer for sets of 12 prints so that if everyone on your table wants a great keepsake, you can save £60 and also add text e.g. a table name free of charge.