The Lighthouse Gala Auction, held in London on Monday 12 March 2007, in aid of the Terrence Higgins Trust is bound to be a pretty special night out. You know the score, lots of famous people donate something of their own, prestigious companies donate a high profile prize and then everyone bids to secure the lot of their choice.
And this year is no exception; the lots are a real mixture of incredible experiences that you'll never forget.
If you check out the catalogue (http://www.tht.org.uk/binarylibrary/auction/auctioncatalogue2007.pdf ), you'll see JUST what I'm talking about...but these are my favourite...
BEHIND THE SCENES AT CORONATION STREET WITH ANTONY COTTON
Donated by: Antony Cotton ITV
Antony Cotton, who plays one of the show’s best loved characters, Sean Tully, will be your personal guide for an extremely rare and exclusive visit to the set of Coronation Street in Manchester. You and three friends will walk the cobbles of the famous street past the familiar homes of the Platts, the Battersbys and the Duckworths, finishing with a pint in the nation’s favourite pub, The Rovers Return. Schedules permitting, you will also get the chance to see some filming and meet other members of the cast.
Now Corrie is a dog-friendly place; would they allow me along too I wonder?
DINE AS MADAME DE POMPADOUR WITH 20 FRIENDS
Donated by: Andrew Davis, Chairman, von Essen hotels
(www.vonessenhotels.co.uk )
Nowhere does gala like Cliveden and this magnificent gala promises to be something else entirely! This will be a dazzling occasion: lunch or dinner for up to 22 people, in the Madame De Pompadour French Dining Room, a rococo masterpiece, at Cliveden in Berkshire. You and your guests will enjoy champagne and canapés before a fabulous five course lunch or dinner prepared by Michelin award-winning chef Daniel Galmiche. You will also have the use for the day of this magnificent house, dedicated for over 300 years to the pursuit of pleasure.
Cliveden welcomes dogs so you never know, you may get the best doggie bag EVER!
SPRING CLEANING WITH JOAN RIVERS AND TRACEY EMIN
Donated by: Joan Rivers and Tracey Emin, Lewis Day Transport Plc
Clear out the cobwebs with two of the most fabulous and interesting women in the world as award winning comedienne Joan Rivers and internationally renowned artist Tracey Emin visit you at home for some light cleaning and a jolly good gossip. To take place in London on a mutually agreed date before 12 March 2008.
Just having these two in your home will be a riot!
And last but not least...
WALK THE DOGS WITH GERI
Donated by: Geri Halliwell
This once in a lifetime opportunity offers you and a friend the chance to walk and talk with the
original icon of “Girl Power” . It is offered as a personal experience and is not to be used for publicity purposes (but the cameras follow Geri everywhere - some pap shots show her and her dog in a tangle with some dogs who live in my old neighbourhood).
Now the thing is, the last time Geri was filmed with her dogs, she didn't pick up! So while she may love dogs, is she responsible? And remember when George Michael took her to Battersea, she only looked at the cute young dogs! So, if you pick this prize, make sure you come properly prepared!
As the Terrence Higgins Trust says on its website, "Every 70 minutes, somebody in the UK is diagnosed with HIV"; the Lighthouse Gala is a great way to ensure the charity is there for them. If the Mistress had enough cash, she'd bid to have a walk with George Michael and his dogs - he's a Labrador man - so it would definitely be the ultimate experience for her!
Woof Woof