One of Staffordshire’s most historic country homes is set to open its doors to the public next month for an exclusive charity evening in support of the Dougie Mac Hospice.
Business leaders taking part in this year’s Strictly Knot Dancing fundraiser are hosting ‘A Night to Remember’ at Barlaston Hall on Saturday, 12 September, where guests will have a rare chance to explore the Grade I-listed hall and its grounds.
Supported by the World of Wedgwood, the evening will feature a specially curated Wedgwood Banquet and exclusive tours led by guides from the V&A Wedgwood Collection.
Channel 4 will be filming throughout the evening for a new television series focusing on the restoration of historic country homes, which is set to include Barlaston Hall following its purchase earlier this year by Staffordshire entrepreneur Mo Chaudry.
Guests will also have the opportunity to ‘meet’ Josiah Wedgwood – while also enjoying a champagne on arrival, live jazz, a casino experience in the 12th-century St John’s Church, a charity auction and a disco late into the night.
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce Chief Executive Stuart Elford, one of this year’s Strictly Knot Dancing contestants, said: “It’s set to be a fantastic evening for a brilliant cause, and a rare opportunity for people to experience Barlaston Hall while helping to support Dougie Mac Hospice.
“The support we’ve already received as part of the Strictly Knot Dancing campaign has been amazing, and we’re hoping this event will help us take another big step towards our fundraising goal.
“We’re also looking for businesses who are able to submit items for the charity raffle. If you have something to donate, please do get in touch!”
Stuart is one of 12 local business leaders pulling on their dancing shoes for this year’s Strictly Knot Dancing, which sees contestants undertake four months of dance lessons ahead of a live show at The King’s Hall in Stoke-on-Trent on Friday, 6 November.
Last year’s event raised a record £145,000 for the charity, with this year’s contestants hoping to surpass that total.
Stuart added: “We’re all determined to do everything we can to beat last year’s total, and every event like this helps us get one step closer. It’s going to be a memorable evening in an incredible setting, all while supporting a charity that means so much to so many people.”
Tickets for A Night to Remember support Dougie Mac Hospice and are priced at £100 per person. Anyone interested in attending can register their interest by completing the online booking form.
Hi l’m a self employed artist and art tutor in Barlaston who has donated artwork to help fundraise for different charities. Tomorrow l’m doing a Prosecco and painting event to help raise funds for Staffordshire Search & Rescue at The Oaklands in Barlaston the hone of Becky Wilshaw who organises art trails and village markets, fundraising events etc. I realise the fundraising event at Barlaston Hall is a more prestigious event costing £100 which is not accessible to alot of people in Stoke on Trent area. As an artist l am happy to donate artworks and to be involved in future events Barlaston hall are doing. I have been involved in events for many years wuth much experience.
Many thanks
Rose Snead
artbyrose.co.uk