200 bacta members and their guests celebrated the return of the trade association’s Summer Ball in swashbuckling style and in the process raising a truly magnificent £27,000 for the bacta Charitable Trust. 

Trust chairman Steve Hawkins was swift to recognise everyone who he said had made the vision of the Ball a reality. He said: “First of all huge thanks to all of our guests who showed their support in fantastic numbers, to our sponsors who gave so generously, to the venue and to our magnificent entertainment who brought the summer celebration to life. 

“However, I must save my heartfelt personal thanks to the organising committee comprising Karen Cooke, Steph Norbury, Surj Stott, James Miller and the irrepressible Tony Glanville for quite literally making the Summer Ball happen. It was a fantastic team effort and the proof was in the pudding with a marquee full of people enjoying each-others company, letting their hair down and raising such a huge sum of money.” 

“For many this would have been their first black tie event since Covid and I think they arrived at the Ball determined to have a ball!” 

Asked if the money raised was ahead of what he expected Steve admitted “£27,000 is beyond what I thought was possible and the fund raising was assisted by some extremely generous donations. Like all things worth doing it was a bit stressful at times but the outcome and the kind words that I’ve received more than compensate. I’ve already had people booking their tables for summer 2024 – which is hugely gratifying.” 

Bacta CEO John White added: “Huge congratulations to Steve and his organising committee for putting on an event which was over-flowing with positivity and bonhomie. A great ‘laugh out loud comic’ and an outstanding band created a collective energy and a togetherness which reminded me of the wonderful evenings spent at Grosvenor House when Bacta Ball tickets were as rare as those for the Centre Court at Wimbledon. 

“All of the feedback I’ve received has been universally positive and we shouldn’t forget that this was Steve’s second major fundraiser in a month following the Bacta Golf Day which I also had the privilege of attending and which generated over £14,000 for the Trust to distribute to worthy causes.”