EVESHAM’s Methodist Church was converted – for one night only – into an enormous restaurant and presentation arena for an event which raised £700 for the street children of South Africa.
Frances Benton, an inspirational speaker and fund-raiser, travelled from her home in France to speak on her passion – the history, the wonder and the fascination of Pearls.
Her talk had nearly 60 people in the room including the Mayor of Evesham, Coun Mark Goodge and the Lady Mayoress Emma Goodge, mesmerised.
Stories of how pearls are made and hundreds of samples and examples of the most beautiful pearls and shells which Frances has gathered through 25 years of sharing her passion and raising money were all part of the evening.
She was happy for them all to be passed around the room and guests were in awe of the colours and texture of these extraordinary pieces. Frances also had actual jewellery which several ladies, and gentlemen, were eager to buy after the event.
Frances Benton’s talks and sales and all other proceeds go to the work developing food kitchens and facilities for the children in Durban and surrounding areas who have nothing. She even adopted a young Zulu boy many years ago who has now become a lawyer training to be a South African judge. The inspirational speaker revealed she was proud of being a ‘Zulu mother’.
The evening began with a Ploughman’s Supper organised by Viv Jones and friends, and also, apart from Frances Benton’s presentation, included a raffle, a short quiz and a game which between them raised even more money for Frances, who gave a string of pearls as a raffle prize
Shops had kindly donated prizes or food which helped to result in almost every penny of the proceeds of the evening going to Frances Benton’s charity work; so Viv and her helpers would like to thank Lawrances, The High Street Co-op, Morrisons, Tesco, Iceland, Evesham Garden Centre, the Applebarn Restaurant at the Valley, the Orchard Restaurant, Raphael’s Restaurant, Achille Hairdressers and the Hampton Farm shop for their generous contributions.
“The event, Tears of the Dragon, was indeed a wonderful evening, bringing a lot of people together, learning things about pearls which nobody would have guessed, and raising a lot of money for a very good cause,” said Viv.
