North Dorset-based gorilla conservation charity Gearing up for Gorillas (G4G) is pleased to announce that tickets are now on sale for its Grand Charity Auction to be held at the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, Burgate Manor, Fordingbridge on Friday 26 July 2013.
Thanks to the generosity of so many G4G supporters, there are some fantastic auction lots on offer, featuring a number of pieces of original artwork and some unique ‘experiences’, including:
· ‘Emperor’ by Clare Shepherd (original watercolour of an ’emperor’ stag from Exmoor)
· ‘Gorilla on canvas’ by David Cawthorne (Mouth & Foot painter)
· A Walk on the Wild Side – wildlife walk guided by long time Forestry Commission ranger and author Colin Elford
· Gone Fishing – with author and broadcaster Chris Yates (a day’s fishing with Chris – sea, lake or river – winners choice)
· Guided Wildlife Photography session with David Blake of Wessex Wildlife Photography
· 1/2 day tuition at Dorchester Rifle & Pistol Club led by long term Chairman Richard Birden (advanced FAC holder outside over 100 yards or beginner indoors 25 yards – use of gun/equipment provided for beginner)
· A silk evening dress (made to measure & colour of choice) – by Sheila Whyatt
· A Riding Lesson with Aart Noordijk Coaching & Equestrian, Dorchester
· An original cartoon – by Daniel Byrne
· A personalised Daniel Byrne Caricature – to be produced after the event
· A glass ornament by Felicity Veazey of Bath
· A unique amber pendant encased in a handmade sterling silver mount, Silver Grove of London
· A White Pepper Cookery School voucher
Other attractions on the night will include:
· Renowned primatologist Ian Redmond OBE will be in attendance (subject to overseas travel commitments)
· Music from Noah Messomo (drummer)
· The premier of a short promotional film on Virunga National Park
· Pedal-powered cinema in action – see how pedal-powered cinema is bringing conservation films to remote villages in Virunga
· Welcome drink, sponsored by Christopher Piper Wines Ltd and Luscombe Drinks
· A Ploughman’s supper and refreshments
· Raffle with fantastic prizes, (including wine, hampers, tickets to attractions and events, ape-related prizes, dinner for two, vouchers, signed books, fruit and veg box, subscription to Wanderlust, and lots more)
· Silent auction and much more!
Funds raised on the night will be used to help set up the first Environmental Education Centre within Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo, providing local children with a fun and interactive introduction to the links between their own lives and those of the mountain gorillas, as well as the chance to see gorillas for the first time at the nearby Senkwekwe Centre (an orphan gorilla sanctuary supported by G4G).
G4G Chair Linda said: “The planned Environmental Education Centre will provide the chance for children in conflict-stricken DRC to explore the wondrous forests of Virunga, hear from rangers about their work and watch and learn about the orphan gorillas at the Senkwekwe Centre.
“It is extremely rare for the children to have seen a gorilla first hand and the rangers cannot wait to inspire them to learn more about the huge variety of wildlife on their doorsteps.
“This will be the first ever environmental education programme to take place in Virunga National Park and is as exciting for G4G to be involved, as it will be for the children, as this kind of educational opportunity will be critical to mountain gorilla conservation in the long term.“
Around one third of the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas live in Virunga National Park, eastern DR Congo. Classed as ‘critically endangered’, the total population is estimated to be around 800. Whilst mountain gorillas face threats wherever they live, those facing the population in DR Congo are intense, ongoing and compounded by decades of conflict.
Tickets to the auction, costing just £10, are available online at https://www.g4g.co.uk/donate.htm or by contacting [email protected].
Alternatively phone Linda 01725 553149 or send cheques to G4G, 87 Chapel Farm Cottage, Gussage St Andrew, Blandford, Dorset, DT11 8DL made out to G4G.
Welcome drink from 7.00pm for a 7.45pm start.
With such exciting auction lots on offer, it would be wise to purchase your tickets early as this event will sell out!
Amanda Williams
