Combermere Abbey, the country estate and wedding venue, hosted an exclusive fundraising lunch this week for 140 guests in the beautiful Pavilion in their walled gardens. The event was part of the Crossley family centenary celebrations, as the estate has been in owner Sarah Callander Beckett's family for 100 years. The lunch included a talk by special guest and renowned interior designer Nina Campbell and an auction conducted by well known television celebrity Christina Trevanion from Trevanion and Dean Auctioneers in Whitchurch.
Proceeds from the lunch went to support Combermere's chosen charity of the year, Together Trust, who provide special education, residential services, fostering, family support and community services to young people and adults throughout the North West. The charity was founded by Sir William Crossley, Sarah's great great grandfather in 1880.
Julie Isted, Governance Director at the Together Trust said, "We are thrilled that Sarah and her staff have raised over £6000. This is an outstanding testament to the hard work and creativity everyone at Combermere Abbey has put into fundraising for the trust this year. The money raised will directly benefit some of the most vulnerable people in Cheshire and Greater Manchester. We'd like to particularly thank the organising committee, guests and donors who supported the Nina Campbell luncheon and everyone who has supported the garden open days and raffle -- they all played a significant part in helping Combermere reach this amazing target."
The celebrity talk by Nina Campbell focused on her 50 years in design around the world included photos of the project to restore the Abbey's North Wing which is now a luxury B and B. She generously offered to signed and personalise copies of her recent book 'Nina Campbell -- Interior Design Elegance and Ease'.
Sarah Callander Beckett, owner of Combermere Abbey, comments: "We were honoured to include Nina in our centenary celebrations and for her to come as our guest speaker. Nina played a significant part in the resurrection of the North Wing and her interior design vision has helped to shape the personality and style of this wonderful Gothic architecture for many years to come."
Nina Campbell, on the interior design of the North Wing: "My job was to take the space inside and make it fresh and contemporary looking. The architecture is so strong it made my job much simpler, putting fresh colour and introducing our fabrics which are classic with a contemporary twist, the perfect match. It's always amazing to go back into a design and I very much enjoyed visiting Combermere Abbey again."
Over the last 100 years, the house and estate have seen many changes, including time spent as a school for pupils from St Helena's Eastbourne during World War II. During the post-war years, the Abbey fell into disrepair and was in severe need of restoration and care. On taking over the Abbey from her mother in 1992, Sarah Callander Beckett set to work to restore and rejuvenate the estate, turning it into a wedding venue and treasured holiday destination.
For more information on Combermere Abbey, visit www.combermereabbey.co.uk/
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