May The Horse Be With You!

Our latest fun event was a fundraising horse racing evening. Band members brought along friends and family for a raucous evening of hollering, whooping and cheering ‘virtual’ horse races with the hope of winning big prizes whilst raising money for band funds!

Dustin Hoofman, Chardon-neigh and Harry Trotter

There were eight races each with eight horses. People pre-bought horses and gave them funny names, such as Dustin Hoofman, Chardon-neigh and Harry Trotter. On the night, we placed our £1 bets for each race, in the hope of receiving a share of the cash for betting on the winning horse. The owner of each winning horse won a rosette and a larger prize, generously donated by local businesses, which included meal vouchers, sporting experiences, a trip to Brownsea Island or a trip on Condor Ferries! No wonder the horses sold out quickly!

David, our compere, introduced the horses and owners for each race and then we all watched a video of a real horse race. The noise levels were incredible with people shouting for their horse to win!

We had gaps in between races to allow us time to collect winnings, place bets and to prevent our voices going hoarse. A delicious chilli meal was enjoyed by everyone and there were 10 amazing desserts to choose from – all made by band members! The game of ‘heads and tails’ helped to raise more money – you all put your hands on your heads or bottoms and the flip of a coin decides who stays in the game. It’s whittled down until there’s a winner. We played twice – congratulations to Jo and Gemma for winning!

Featuring an inflatable horse

Sue, our chairperson, was a bonus ninth horse in one race, cavorting around the room in an inflatable horse outfit… which promptly deflated and caused her to fall at the first hurdle! There was also a bonus ninth race where people bought pigs via an auction. Sarah won that race with ‘Miss Piggy’!

A huge thank you must go to all involved in helping the evening to be such a roaring (or should that be neighing?) success, with a special shoutout to Sue and Nicola for all their hard work!

And the best bit of all… we raised a phenomenal amount of money for band funds!

By Nick on clarinet

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