On Thursday 13 November 2008 acclaimed actor and author Julian Fellowes hosted a Gosford park themed champagne reception and auction night on behalf of Hope and Homes for Children at the Playfair Library, University of Edinburgh.

The event, which was organised by our Edinburgh Support Group, was attended by over 150 guests and raised £25,000.

During the evening Julian gave a very amusing speech about his life as an actor, script writer and author. Julian is probably best known for his appearance in the BBC series Aristocrats and Monarch of the Glen. As well as his Oscar winning screenplay for Gosford Park.

The night began with a raffle of 250 individually boxed chocolate hearts for £10 each, with one lucky box containing a red spot – entitling the holder to a ‘diamond experience’. This remarkable prize consisted of a £1,200 diamond from Laing the Jewellers. The winner also enjoyed a glass of fizz whilst meeting the designer to discuss how their diamond would be made into a unique piece of jewellery.

To round off the night Henry Bowring from Sotheby’s conducted an auction with lots that included paintings by artists Denis Ribas and Hugh Buchanan, two nights stay at the Bath Spa Hotel, a private lunch and tour of Sotheby’s and a Safari for two in Kenya. In total the lots raised £16,650 with the star lot being a 1.13 yellow carat diamond donated by Gem Diamond Ltd.

With Christmas fast approaching why not get your shopping underway with our Future Gifts catalogue!

Also, don’t forget to get your tickets for the Christmas Carol Concert.

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