ERA Annual Ball 2012

The ERA Ball held at Headley Stud on Saturday 28th January was a great success, a glittering night with many of the top names in Eventing, who mingled with owners, officials, keen amateur riders and other eventing enthusiasts for a night to remember.

The décor was stunning, from the surprise centre-piece to the immaculate presentation of the many Raffle and Auction prizes donated by generous sponsors.

Guests were plied with champagne and delicious canapés and snapped enthusiastically by the society photographer Sim Canetty-Clarke in the beautiful reception room before being ushered into the dining room and hearing a short welcoming speech from our hostess.

After we had all dined on award-winning cuisine from top catering company Rhubarb, Alice Fox-Pitt took to the stage, and guests enjoyed the presentation of the inaugural ERA Awards and the main BE Awards by various luminaries.

ERA Chairman Francis Whittington gave a speech explaining the motivation behind ERA, which was very well received.

The Auctions and Raffle followed, and then the excellent live band ‘Flood The Floor’ swung into action; between them and the DJ they kept the dance floor packed into the small hours.

While we were dining the reception room had been magically (and silently!) transformed into a themed games room, which kept everyone entertained - this was one of of Jules’ many surprises on the night, and was definitely a huge hit.

The drinks kept flowing and hot breakfast snacks were brought around to give any flagging guests a surge of energy to keep us going. The hospitality and attention to detail was absolutely superb throughout the evening.

A huge and heartfelt THANK YOU to Jules and her team for giving us all such a night to remember. It was amazing.

Quote from ERA Chairman Francis Whittington:
"The ERA (UK) Ball presented by The Headley Stud has been a huge success. It was wonderful to see so many high profile names in eventing turn up to support ERA UK. The atmosphere was incredible and was a great example of how far we have come in such a short period of time. The funds raised will help to establish ERA UK as a representative voice for riders in this country. We believe more than ever in 'One Sport, One Voice'."

Awards voted for by ERA Members for the 2011 season went to Pattie Biden (Best Organised Event, for the September Gatcombe event) and Holly Farr (Best Event Secretary), while the ERA Board selected Margaret Churchill for Best Event Volunteer (nominated by Event Organisers) and Jules Stiller to win Best ERA Supporter.

Pictures from the 2012 ERA Ball:

The photos taken at the Ball are now available to view and purchase at www.simprint.co.uk. Please use the login details below:

User Name : Headley
Password : Headley

CLICK HERE to have a look at the full list of fantastic raffle prizes and auction lots that were donated for the 2012 ERA Ball.

2011 ERA Ball

The last ERA Ball was held on the 28th February 2011, CLICK HERE for more details.