This is Surrey --
ACTRESS Joanna Lumley staged an "absolutely fabulous" night at Lingfield Park at the weekend – and persuaded generous racegoers to part with more than £90,000 to help young disabled adults.
Fifteen years after The Orpheus Centre opened, the stage and screen star joined its founder Sir Richard Stilgoe and a host of guests as they celebrated the work of the Godstone-based charity.
"I am thrilled to be here to celebrate the 15th birthday of this fantastic charity," she said, as she mingled with racegoers at the Racecourse Road venue on Saturday.
"Dicky [Richard Stilgoe] does an amazing job helping young disabled adults prepare for independent living through the performing arts and it is lovely to be part of this special event."
Strictly Come Dancing's Arlene Phillips, TV presenters John Stapleton and his wife Lynn Faulds Wood, and author Felix Francis also joined the celebrations at the racecourse's pavilion.
While students from The Orpheus Centre staged a heart-warming performance, volunteers for the charity carried out a bucket collection around the course and were supported by generous visitors.
Lingfield Park Resort also offered a range of free entertainment around the course to suit the party's midsummer theme. Circus performers mingled with thousands of people while The Blues Brothers International belted out hits after the racing had finished.
Andrew Perkins, executive director of the racecourse, said he was delighted the charity had chosen to hold its celebrations at the racecourse.
"We are thrilled whenever we can team up with our local charities to try and highlight the valuable work they carry out," he said.
"Our racegoers were over-the-moon to see such a prestigious line up of guests and Joanna couldn't have been more generous with her time and hugs for all her fans who were with us on Saturday." Reported by This is 5 days ago.
ACTRESS Joanna Lumley staged an "absolutely fabulous" night at Lingfield Park at the weekend – and persuaded generous racegoers to part with more than £90,000 to help young disabled adults.
Fifteen years after The Orpheus Centre opened, the stage and screen star joined its founder Sir Richard Stilgoe and a host of guests as they celebrated the work of the Godstone-based charity.
"I am thrilled to be here to celebrate the 15th birthday of this fantastic charity," she said, as she mingled with racegoers at the Racecourse Road venue on Saturday.
"Dicky [Richard Stilgoe] does an amazing job helping young disabled adults prepare for independent living through the performing arts and it is lovely to be part of this special event."
Strictly Come Dancing's Arlene Phillips, TV presenters John Stapleton and his wife Lynn Faulds Wood, and author Felix Francis also joined the celebrations at the racecourse's pavilion.
While students from The Orpheus Centre staged a heart-warming performance, volunteers for the charity carried out a bucket collection around the course and were supported by generous visitors.
Lingfield Park Resort also offered a range of free entertainment around the course to suit the party's midsummer theme. Circus performers mingled with thousands of people while The Blues Brothers International belted out hits after the racing had finished.
Andrew Perkins, executive director of the racecourse, said he was delighted the charity had chosen to hold its celebrations at the racecourse.
"We are thrilled whenever we can team up with our local charities to try and highlight the valuable work they carry out," he said.
"Our racegoers were over-the-moon to see such a prestigious line up of guests and Joanna couldn't have been more generous with her time and hugs for all her fans who were with us on Saturday." Reported by This is 5 days ago.