Having a Ball with the Fence Membership – Toy World Journal | The enterprise journal with a ardour for toysToy World Journal

The Fence Membership Christmas Ball passed off on Saturday seventh December, and the improbable time had by all was matched by a formidable quantity raised for the trade charity.

The Fence Membership was based in 1950 by toy suppliers and retailers, to characterize “all sides of the fence” of the UK toy trade. The organisation has 45 (…ish) members and extra “Wall members”, who’ve retired. The membership motto is “try mightily, however eat and drink as pals.”

This yr, the membership was celebrating a yr of record-breaking fundraising achievements, and on the evening, an extra £22,000 was raised for a wide range of kids’s charities – though the ultimate complete  continues to be being finalised.

The annual celebration passed off on the Hilton London Metropole final Saturday and noticed an enthusiastic turnout from Fence Membership members and their company. With festive themed décor and an environment of fine cheer, the night additionally had a severe facet. Fence Membership Charities secretary Joe Kissane introduced a video detailing the work of the membership, and the distinction the funds raised make to deprived kids.

Proceedings included a speech from chairman, Ravensburger UK’s Derek Scott, a well-supported raffle and an thrilling public sale. A formidable quantity was raised on the evening alone, thanks to those actions, which was supplemented by a collection of private endeavours elevating funds for the charity. This included the latest Cuban Revolution cycle journey by Colin Lisle, who was thanked personally, alongside Martyn Inexperienced, son of long-time former member Phil Inexperienced, who has continued his father’s legacy of fundraising.

The chairman of the occasion, Ravensburger UK’s Derek Scott, and household

Round 300 company loved a shock efficiency from some ‘lodge workers’ who turned out to be very completed vocalists, took half in a vigorous conga across the ballroom, have been handled to a beautiful show from the Royal Air Power army marching band, then bopped the evening away to the superb band, Sway, who ensured that the dance ground was by no means empty.

A improbable time was had by all and, most significantly, important funds have been raised “for the kids”. Desk 7 (Group Toy World and esteemed company) definitely had a superb evening – even lastly profitable one thing within the raffle after many barren years – and want to thank everybody on the Fence Membership for his or her arduous work. This yr, for the primary time, a wide range of sponsors additionally supported the occasion: SuperAwesome provided the all-important bubbly for the drinks reception, Sky Media supplied the beautiful decorations for the reception and the dinner tables, Exact Media donated a beautiful array of raffle prizes, Venatus organised a formidable public sale and HTI coated the favored dance band. These sponsors have been organised by Lisa Morgan of Technology Media.

The Fence Membership committee has thanked everybody who attended, donated and contributed to the evening’s success and is already trying ahead to its subsequent occasion: The Toy Truthful 2025 celebration.

You possibly can comply with the work of the Fence Membership on its LinkedIn web page right here. Aside from the Christmas ball, fundraising occasions undertaken by the membership embody the favored Teddy Simmonds Golf Day and a number of different initiatives undertaken by particular person members.