Our SustainaBall team have worked hard to ensure an extensive and exciting array of auction items will be available to tickle your fancy on the night.
With a tree of life, silent auction and grand auction taking place throughout the evening, we're sure there'll be a chance to get involved and help raise funds for Earthwatch’s vital work in supporting environmental research projects around the world.
Many of our wonderful prizes can be seen below. These items and more will be available for guests to bid on at the SustainaBall Auction on 3rd September. Bidding is not restricted to guests attending on the night - we would be pleased to take bids before the event. To place a bid or for further information about any of the prizes please email helen@earthwatch.org.uk including your query and a daytime telephone number, or call Helen on 01865 318294.
If you would like to donate an item or service to either the SustainaBall raffle or auctions, please email us
Auction items
1. HSBC has generously donated a ten day trip* for two to take part in vital climate change research in India's spectacular Western Ghats.
One of the world’s true biodiversity hotspots, the region boasts over 139 mammal species, 508 bird species and 179 amphibian species. At least 325 globally threatened species occur in the Western Ghats as the region continues to be subjected to disturbance, non-sustainable extraction and the extensive spread of invasive species. You will stay at the basic yet comfortable Hotel Panchavati in Sirsi. Dates – 2011 in November or additional dates in 2012 tbc. For full terms and conditions, please see the detailed briefing document.
*Download as PDF
2. Oman Air and the Al Bustan Palace together with Earthwatch have donated a five day trip* for two to visit the Earthwatch Project in Oman.
You will have the opportunity to visit the two projects, which build on existing work carried out by the Office of Conservation of the Environment on Jebel Samham, near Salalah in the south, studying the Arabian Leopard and in Wadi Sareen, close to Muscat, studying the Arabian Tahr. Travel will be courtesy of Oman Air flying from London Heathrow. Oman Air is the national airline of the Sultanate of Oman. They boast world-class hospitality and exemplary services ensuring a delightful start to your break. After arriving in Muscat you will stay in the luxurious and historic Al Bustan Palace for two nights. From there you will visit the Arabian Tahr project in Wadi Sareen. Next you will fly south to Salalah to spend a day in the field with the Arabian Leopard Project before returning to a local hotel. Your final night will be back at the Al Bustan Palace before flying back to the UK. The precise itinerary will be drawn up with the two winners to fit into the Programme’s activities in the autumn of 2012 and will be for 4/5 days.
*Download as PDF
3. Two guaranteed Centre Court tickets to the 2012 Wimbledon Tournament
Sponsored by HSBC, at the famous All England Lawn Tennis Club on 25th June. This is the first Monday of the tournament and, if 2011 is anything to go by, will provide some fantastic action on court!
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4. A tour of HSBC's iconic HQ in Canary Wharf for four people
A wonderful opportunity to experience a private tour of 8 Canada Square for four with lunch in the corporate dining area on the 6th floor. This amazing prize consists of a guided tour, focusing on the main sustainability features of the building. Guests will also be invited to don a hard hat and go up onto the roof to see the installation of solar panels. The day will finish with lunch on the 6th floor, the plush corporate dining area in the HSBC tower.
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5. Be a Keeper for the Day at the Cotswold Wildlife Park in Burford
A unique opportunity for one person to go behind the scenes at Cotswold Wildlife Park in Burford. The winner will have the chance to work on a one-to-one basis with the keepers to gain hands-on experience working with the Park’s varied and exciting collection of animals, including rhinos, lemurs, reptiles, and, of course, the big cats!
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6. Two tickets to ‘Alex James presents Harvest’ food and music festival on 11th September 2011.
Visit Kingham in Oxfordshire for an eclectic mix of food and music. On Sunday, you will see TV chefs Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Rachel Allen, Valentine Warner and Francesco Mazzei. Music from KT Tunstall, The Feeling, The Futureheads, and Jo Whiley. It sounds amazing. We have already bought our tickets, have you?!
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7. A beautiful pair of green enamelled Ginkgo leaf earrings
These silver earrings are handmade in the UK. They are completely unique and we are honoured that have been made especially by Lady Rosemary Zeeman for the Earthwatch SustainaBall.
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8. Enjoy a week or short break in a beautiful cottage in Thurlstone, South Devon.
Seaview is a most attractive one bedroom ground floor cottage surrounded by beautiful landscaped gardens and set high above Thurlestone with superb sea views. There is access across a neighbouring field to the coastal path, beaches and golf course. The cottage is an ideal romantic retreat and is perfect for enthusiastic walkers, golfers or beachcombers - the sandy beaches, golf links and the South West coastal path are all within a short walk.
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9. An exclusive tour of the Royal Geographical Society with Paul Rose, Polar Explorer and star of BBC series, Britain's Secrets Seas
This fabulous prize starts with afternoon tea at the RGS followed by your private tour led by Paul Rose*. If , as we suggest, you attend on a day when Earthwatch is hosting an event at the RGS (13th October 2011, 15th March 2012, 17th May 2012) you will then join us for pre-event drinks, attend the lecture and join some of our senior staff and partners for supper.
Paul calls the RGS his 'spiritual home'. He is Vice President of the RGS and Chair of the Expeditions and Fieldwork Division. Paul supports the Society by chairing conferences, expert committee inputs and was an active member of the 2009/2010 Research Review Committee. He speaks regularly at the Society events.
The Royal Geographical Society (with The Institute of British Geographers) is the Learned Society representing Geography and geographers. It was founded in 1830 for the advancement of geographical science and has been among the most active of the learned societies ever since.
*Download as PDF
10. A meal for two at The Fat Radish restaurant, New York, USA.
The Fat Radish is the latest hotspot for trendy New Yorkers on the Lower East Side. What makes the food special at the Fat Radish is that it offers modern British cooking with an emphasis on farm-to-table practices and local sourcing. There is nothing else like it in NYC. The talented duo of Brits Ben Towill and Phil Winser (yes, you do recognise this surname – Phil is Nigel’s son!) are the creative team behind this unique eatery, and source the finest seasonal produce from specialist local farms to create healthy, delicious dishes. You will be guaranteed the famous warm Winser welcome!
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11. Henry Dallal
Passionate about travel and adventure around the world, photographer Henry Dallal has been armed with a camera since the age of nine when his father gave him a Box Brownie. Born in Iran, Henry has made London his home since moving here from Colorado in 1994. Besides mountains and landscapes, the world of horses has captured his imagination. Horse Warriors: India’s 61st Cavalry Henry’s second self-published book was awarded with a bronze medal for best coffee table book in 2009 by the Independent Book Publishers Award (IBPA) in the US.
Henry has been honoured with commissions to photograph Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, HRH Princess Royal, HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein of Dubai. The beautiful image ‘horse trader’, was taken in the Thar Desert in Nagur Rajasthan. It is an annual event when villagers gather in the desert from as far away as 300 km bringing their camels and horses to trade. www.henrydallalphotography.com
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12. Sextantio Albergo Diffuso, Italy
3 nights for two people at the very special location of Sextantio Albergo Diffuso, Italy, staying in a double superior room with breakfast. Flights & car hire included. Ten years ago the pretty village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio was close to abandonment. The crumbling buildings have since been resurrected and lovingly restored to their former glory with salvaged materials, local resources and original period pieces. Live among locals as a guest rather than a tourist and help to preserve the village’s traditional culture and architectural heritage. The project aims to establish a model for developing semi-abandoned historical villages in the mountains of Abruzzo. The wonderful prize kindly donated by Kuoni.
Earthwatch is a proud partner of Kuoni’s new sustainable holiday brochure, Ananea.
Download as PDF
13. Scubapro invite you to support The Earthwatch Oceans Programme
Courtesy of Scubapro there are TWO SETS of Full Scuba Equipment AND a PADI Open Water Diver Course for TWO worth in excess of £2500! This prize includes full Scuba equipment for two (for you to keep) including: T-One BCD (buoyancy control device); MK2/R295 (regulator); R295 Octopus (secondary back up regulator); Compact Twin Console (pressure and depth gauge); Spectra Mask; Spectra Snorkel; Jet Sport Fins; Delta 5 Zip boots; Profile Shorty (wetsuit) courtesy of Scubapro. In addition to the above equipment you will be able to complete the PADI Open Water Diver course which is the world’s most popular scuba course. When deep down, you want the best, and Scubapro guarantee just that!
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14. Jo Vestey. Untitled, Oregon 2003
Joanna Vestey is an Oxford based award-winning photographer. Her work has been published in all the major national newspapers and many international newspapers as well - National Geographic Adventure Magazine, Geographical Magazine, GQ Magazine, Men’s Journal, Outside Magazine, The Times etc. She is a fellow of both the Explorers Club and the Royal Geographic Society.
Her photographic work has taken her on exciting journeys from the edge of the Bering Straits to Eritrea, the Gaza Strip to Swaziland and has been published in four books, including Due South: Through Tropics and Polar Extremes, for which this image was taken. The book documents an 18,000 mile trip in a small helicopter from Alaska to Chile with her husband, British explorer Steve Brooks. The photograph was taken early one morning as the couple ascended above the mountains in Oregon where the eerily beautiful cloud smothered the forest - caused in large part by the damp air mass blowing in off the Pacific Ocean condensing over the heavily wooded mountain forests.
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15. A tour of the BBC Radio Oxford Studios with Weekend Breakfast show presenter, Phil Mercer
Join Phil for a tour (for up to 4 people) of the BBC Oxford TV and radio studios in Summertown, with the opportunity to see one of BBC Radio Oxford’s radio programmes being broadcast. The prize is available on weekends only, date by prior agreement. Also included in this prize is a £30 voucher for wonderful Summertown Italian restaurant, Mamma Mia
16. A family photo shoot at Blenheim Palace with Earthwatch’s very own Crispin Zeeman. Your images will be published in a hardcopy book.
Crispin’s photographs always tell a story. They are a celebration of life, of the diversity of the world around us; the beauty of land, the richness of culture, the human spirit and pure emotion. Crispin will join you in the grounds of Blenheim Palace for a 2 hour shoot to capture your family (or friends!) Photos will be published in a hardcover book for you to treasure. Date and time to be agreed in advance. Other locations can be arranged but may incur additional travel costs. Reserve £300.
17. A round of golf for four at Southfield Golf Club, kindly donated by Shaw Gibbs
In addition to fine, challenging golf, the undulating parkland course at Southfield Golf Club offers superlative views of historic Oxford and the beautiful surrounding countryside. Built mainly on sand, the course is extremely well-drained - thus facilitating excellent conditions all year round.
As one of the largest accountancy practices in Oxford and with a track record spanning more than 160 years, Shaw Gibbs takes great pride in their high calibre team. Shaw Gibbs is committed to providing a valuable, tangible service which will add value and make a real difference to your personal and business finances.