This April marked the end of our fundraising year for Wandsworth and Westminster Mind, and what a year it has been! We have hosted bake-offs, dress down days, bring-and-buy sales and our first annual Christmas Quiz!
Fundraising got underway in October with Anna and Tara lacing up their trainers and taking to the streets of London for the Five Bridges sponsored walk. Also taking in the views from London’s most iconic bridges was Tara’s little daughter Isabella, who spurred the team on from the comfort of her buggy.
Then came the Christmas Quiz, an evening of mince pies and quick-fire Christmas knowledge, compered brilliantly by our talented trainee, Tim McLeish. In addition to the quiz itself, there was also a live auction which was a huge hit – a member of 36 Bedford Row left clutching treasured paintings by Pauline McLynn (Mrs. Doyle from TV’s Father Ted) while a month of free Hot Yoga classes was hotly contested by bendy bidders.
Quiz contestants were left scratching their heads trying to identifying Christmas song lyrics and were stumped by the picture round: fictional lawyers dressed as Christmas characters. It was neck and neck until the final round when the team from Coram Chambers narrowly nabbed the victory! Those barristers really know their yuletide trivia!
Fast forward to Valentine’s Day and it was time for the ‘Big Love Bake Off’! Cookies and cupcakes were carefully cradled in their Tupperware on tubes and trains across London and anxiously presented to the judging panel who began the arduous task of taste testing each delicious offering before they went on sale.
Competition was fierce, but trainee Patrick Jeynes’ Raspberry Cheesecake Brownies were up to the challenge, and Patrick scooped the prized wooden spoon trophy and the title of ‘Hanne & Co Best Baker 2016’. Congratulations, Patrick.
Finally, in March was the post-spring clean ‘Bring-and-Buy’ Sale where tonnes of treasures were donated from clutches to cuffs and from boots to books. Shoppers could make their altruistic purchases guilt-free, knowing that the proceeds were going to a wonderful cause.
In addition to our fundraising events, each month we gave a donation to trade our usual lawyer garb for jeans and tees on Dress Down Day.
This year, our efforts made more money than ever, and the grand total was £3,416.29! With huge thanks to the hard-working volunteers of the Charity Committee and the support of the whole firm. We have been very honoured to have supported Wandsworth and Westminster Mind this year, a vital and worthy cause.
