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Homeless Veterans appeal: Charity auction Part 3 is now closed
Lots included cooking at a two Michelin-starred restaurant, watching Manchester United with The Independent's chief sportswriter, a cocktail master class at the Savoy or a behind-the-scenes day at Sotheby's
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You have until Monday to bid for this stunning Prada tote bag
Thanks to American Vogue’s accessories department and to Prada, we can now offer an additional lot in this, our third and final auction. This stunning Prada saffiano leather tote bag, with a double leather handle, gold-plated hardware and the maker’s logo outside and in, will make you the envy of your fashion-conscious friends. It has a centre pocket with zip and one side pocket. Dimensions: 14 inches long, 6.6 inches deep and 10.2 inches high.
The Beaumont is the first hotel by Corbin & King, the restaurateurs behind such famous eating places as The Wolseley and The Delaunay. The hotel, in London’s Mayfair, is all about elegance and one of its most exciting elements is ROOM, an experiential work of art by the Turner prize-winning sculptor, Antony Gormley. Forming part of a suite, ROOM is a huge space made of stainless steel and fumed oak, a place not just for sleeping but for entering a different state of consciousness, a moment of withdrawal from the pulsating world outside.Now is your chance to step inside this remarkable combination of design masterpiece and sensory experience, not to mention 5-star comfort, with an overnight stay for two people, including dinner in The Colony Grill Room, breakfast and a spa treatment each. A night for two (or one) in ROOM by Antony Gormley at The Beaumont Hotel, London, with dinner in the hotel’s Colony Grill Room restaurant (up to the value of £100 per person), breakfast up to the value of £50 for two, and one spa treatment per person up to the value of £160 each. Date to be arranged by mutual convenience; stay must be taken within 12 months of the auction closing. Travel not included.
Diversity, winners of Britain's Got Talent in 2009 (Getty Images)
With Simon Cowell and co returning to our screens for Britain’s biggest talent show in 2015, now is your chance to see some of the country’s best acts up close and personal. Thanks to Syco Entertainment, the winning bidder and a companion will attend the live filming of one of the Britain’s Got Talent semi-finals at ITV’s Fountain Studios next spring, as performers battle it out to for the chance to be crowned 2015’s winner. Date tbc but likely to be May/June. Offer is for two people, no under 12s, travel not included. Filming takes place at ITV’s Fountain Studios in Wembley, North-West London. Offer cannot be re-sold.
Marcus Wareing is one of the biggest names in British cooking. And his Knightsbridge restaurant at the Berkeley Hotel, the eponymous Marcus, is one of the best in the business with two Michelin stars. Budding chefs can bid to spend a morning with the team in the kitchens at Marcus, and will then have their taste buds fully satisfied by lunch in the restaurant. Where better for any foodie to go behind-the-scenes. For one person. Date to be arranged by mutual convenience. Offer must be taken by November 30 2015. Marcus Wareing will endeavour to meet the winning bidder but his attendance is strictly subject to availability on the day. Lunch will be from the set lunch menu, with matching wines and tea/coffee. No under-18s. Travel not included.
Your chance to own this beautiful black clutch bag
Thanks to the generosity of American Vogue magazine and Marchesa, you can start 2015 in real style with a beautiful black clutch bag direct from Vogue’s accessories department. The successful bidder will receive the item directly from Vogue – the Independent/ES will liaise with regard to delivery but we cannot guarantee a definitive timescale. Dimensions: 5.5 inches long, 2 inches deep, and 4.5 inches high.
You can be the owner of this stunning brown leather handbag
Your chance to secure another stylish accessory to your New Year courtesy of American Vogue and Tods. With this stunning brown leather handbag it will surely be only a matter of time before you are gracing the pages of the fashion press. The successful bidder will receive the item directly from Vogue – the Independent/ES will liaise with regard to delivery but we cannot guarantee a definitive timescale. Dimensions: 10 inches long, 4.5 inches deep, and 7 inches high.
Lot 6 – Tour the Somme battlefields with John Lichfield
The sun sets over the Somme Battlefield (Peter MacDiarmid/Getty)
Over the course of the next four years we will mark the centenaries of many of the First World War’s most remarkable moments. John Lichfield, whose journalistic experience in France makes him the ideal guide, will take you on a day tour of the Somme battlefields, where hundreds of thousands of British, Commonwealth, French and German soldiers were killed or wounded in the war to end wars. Date to be arranged by mutual convenience. Offer must be taken by the end of October 2015. Lunch included, travel not included. For up to four people, at least one of whom must be over 18.
The Savoy’s American Bar is the longest surviving of the many American Bars which opened throughout London in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is also one the most iconic cocktail bars in the world, with its award-winning bartenders famed for their drinks-mixing skills. Now you can learn some of their secrets with a cocktail master class for two. This is one experience that will leave you shaken and stirred. Date to be arranged by mutual convenience, subject to availability. Offer must be taken within 12 months of the auction’s closing date. Travel not included. No under-18s.
Lot 8 – A private box for ten at Tottenham Hotspur
Erik Lamela celebrates scoring for Tottenham (AFP)
Tottenham Hotspur’s proud footballing heritage is well-known around the world. As the club fights for European glory in this season’s Europa League, you and up to nine friends can watch from the comfort of a private box, with a three course meal and a special Spurs Legend visit included in this brilliant experience. The club will also donate to the winning bidder a special edition THFC Poppy shirt, as worn by the team against Stoke City in November 2014. The winning bidder and nine companions will attend Tottenham Hotspur’s Europa League Round of 32 tie against ACF Fiorentina at White Hart Lane, which takes place on 19 February, kick off 8.05pm. Offer includes a three course complimentary meal and matchday programme for each guest and a visit to the box by a Spurs Legend. Travel not included. The winning bidder will receive one THFC poppy edition shirt. There must be at least one over-18 in the group.
Lot 9 – Lunch with Independent columnist, Yasmin Alibhai-Brown
Journalist and author Yasmin Alibhai-Brown (Getty Images)
Yasmin Alibhai-Brown is one The Independent’s most distinctive and provocative voices. Now you and up to three companions can lunch with Yasmin and businessman Iqbal Wahhab OBE at Iqbal’s restaurant, Roast. Pick one of Yasmin’s columns and argue about it over delicious food in the iconic surroundings of London’s Borough Market. Date to be arranged by mutual convenience. Offer must be taken by November 30 2015. Lunch for four (plus Yasmin and Iqbal), no under-18s. Travel not included.
The perfect offer for any budding sports journalist or fan of Manchester United who fancies a different view of the Theatre of Dreams. Accompany The Independent’s chief sportswriter, Ian Herbert, to a Premier League match at Old Trafford, watching the pre-match build-up and the match itself from the press box. Then go with Ian to Louis van Gaal’s post-match press conference and, if you want to, write up a fan’s eye view of the game for possible publication on the independent.co.uk website. Offer available for one person (must be 18 or over) to attend a game at Old Trafford before the end of the 2014/15 season. Date to be arranged by mutual convenience but match choice may be limited because of press box availability. Travel not included. We retain the right to edit or not publish the fan’s review as appropriate.
Sotheby’s is an innovative global art business and has been at the forefront of the auctioneering world since its foundation in 1744. The firm is now offering the rare chance for up to six people to go behind the scenes and see a major auction house at work. As well as an exclusive tour, you will enjoy lunch in Sotheby’s elegant Boardroom with two of the company’s specialists. Your meal will be prepared by Sotheby’s in-house chef and, for adults, will be accompanied by wines selected by Serena Sutcliffe MW, International Head of Sotheby’s Wine Department. This is an opportunity not to be missed. Date to be arranged by mutual convenience. Offer must be taken by November 30 2015. Travel not included. Sotheby’s is located in New Bond Street, London. No under-14s.
The mounted stator blade of Campbell’s Bluebird K7 engine
Donald Campbell made history by holding seven land and water speed records in various Bluebird vehicles between 1949 and 1967. Now you can bid for a unique opportunity to own a stator blade from Campbell’s Bluebird K7, donated by a former Lord Mayor of Westminster. The stator comes mounted and is accompanied by a photograph of Donald Campbell in the Bluebird K7 itself, signed by his nephew Donald Wales (himself a speed record-holder), as well as a letter of authenticity. This compressor stator blade was originally part of the Bristol Siddeley Orpheus jet engine used in Donald Campbell’s last record attempt in the Bluebird K7 on Coniston Water on 4th January 1967. The item can be collected from the offices of Veterans Aid in London. Additional charges may apply if postage is required, particularly outside the UK.
A bagpiper at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo (Christopher Furlong/Getty)
Your chance to be a guest of ABF The Soldiers’ Charity in the ‘best seat in the house’ for the world-famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Begin the evening with a black tie dinner in the Officers’ Mess. Then parade across the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade before taking your seats with VIP guests and dignitaries in the covered Royal Gallery for an unforgettable evening of music, ceremony, theatre and dance. The highest bidder and one companion will attend the Tattoo on one evening during its 2015 run from 7-29 August, which coincides with the Edinburgh Festival and Fringe. Date to be notified to the winning bidder by end of March 2015 (alternatives cannot be arranged so bidders will need to keep the relevant period free). No under 18s. Travel not included.
The Houses of Parliament (Carl Court/AFP/Getty Images)
Which coalition partners hate each other? Are we being told the truth about the national debt? And where does George Osborne get his hair cut? The Independent’s political editor, Andrew Grice, will take a reader to lunch in the environs of Westminster and fill them in on everything you always wanted to know about our country’s rulers. Date to be arranged by mutual convenience, offer must be taken by the end of 2015. Travel not included.
Dubbed ‘the most wanted chef in Britain’, Ollie Dabbous is one of the hottest properties in the world of British food. To clear away the January blues, Ollie and his team will prepare for one lucky reader a hamper of delicious treats including a loaf of homemade seeded sourdough bread, a platter of cured goose with fenugreek, a jar of savoury acorn praline, a bottle of Oskar's sloegin and a box of cigar leaf chocolates. Start 2015 as you mean to go on. The hamper is for collection only from Dabbous restaurant, Whitfield Street, London. Collection can be between Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-6pm from January 13 to February 28.
Your chance to play alongside some of country's foremost cricket writers (Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
Join The Independent’s all-star team of cricketing journalists for its summer clash against The Times. The squad is well-stocked with mediocre spin bowlers but another would be more than welcome. The Independent vs The Times cricket match will be played in London; provisional date is 4 July (but may be subject to change). Over-16s only. Travel not included.
The Imperial War Museum has kindly put together an enlightening and fun package to entertain and illuminate the start to your year. As well as a remote controlled aeroplane and remote controlled helicopter, the successful bidder will receive four fascinating books including ‘The British Spy Manual’. The package constitutes a Silverlit remote controlled Black Hawk helicopter (3 channel control, Gyro stabilizer, 2.4 Ghz), a Silverlit remote controlled Speedy Plus aeroplane (2 channel control, 4 propellers) and the following books: ‘My War Diary’ by Ethel Bilbrough, ‘Posters of the Second World War’ by Richard Slocombe, ‘The British Spy Manual’, introduced by Sinclair McKay and ‘First World War on the Home Front’ by Terry Chapman. The successful bidder will receive the items directly from the Imperial War Museum – The Independent/ES will liaise with regard to delivery but we cannot guarantee a definitive timescale.
The Army & Navy Club, affectionately known as ‘The Rag’, is an exclusive Members Club in London’s Mayfair, originally founded in 1837 for former and serving officers of the British and Commonwealth Armed services, and their immediate relatives. Now you can experience the unique ambience of this esteemed institution with a three course lunch for you and up to three guests, including champagne, wine and port in the Coffee Room, the Club’s fine-dining restaurant. Lunch for four to be arranged on a mutually convenient and available date before Saturday 28 February 2015. No under-18s. Offer includes Club champagne on arrival, three course lunch from the Club Menu, Club wines during the meal, Club Port served with pudding, followed by coffee and petit fours. Dress code and other club rules apply. Travel not included.
Lot 19 – Theatre: Attend a First Night and after show party in London
Your chance to be part of the glitz and glamour of opening night (AFP)
Few can resist the special frisson of a theatre first night. The Independent’s Arts Editor, David Lister, will accompany one lucky reader to an opening night performance then take you on with him to the after-show party. Date to be agreed by mutual convenience. We cannot guarantee a particular show but will offer a minimum of three alternatives for you to choose from. Offer must be taken by 15 December 2015. No under-18s. Travel not included.
Matthew Pritchett is one of Britain’s best-known newspaper cartoonists. Now is your chance to bid for a signed print of a classic ‘Matt’ with a military theme. As anxious parachute troops await orders from their seats on board an aeroplane, their commanding officer tells them: “After tank regiments lost their tanks, I have bad news for the Parachute Regiment…”Framed, signed print, 386mm by 311mm (299mm by 211mm without frame). Shipping outside the UK will incur additional postal charges.
You can have perfect nails throughout 2015 (Getty Images)
Founded in 1996, the first Bliss spa – in New York City – quickly came to the attention of beauty industry aficionados and less than two decades later is a worldwide powerhouse. Now you can pamper yourself by bidding for a year’s worth of manicures at Bliss London. One free hot cream manicure per month throughout 2015, available at bliss spa London only. Not to be used in conjunction with other offers or promotions. Missed manicures cannot be carried over. Travel not included.
You can live out your dream of being a music critic (Getty Images)
Attend a live rock or pop gig courtesy of The Evening Standard with the Standard’s regular music critic, David Smyth. Enjoy the performance and then, if you’d like to, write a reader’s review for publication on standard.co.uk. Dates and performance subject to availability; we will endeavour to find a gig of the winning bidder’s choice but will, at the least, offer three alternatives to choose from. Offer must be taken up by December 15 2015. Travel not included. We retain the right to edit or not publish the fan’s review as appropriate.
Owen Ward's work is deeply-rooted in the experience of art itself: the physical joy of putting paint, ink, glue and anything else that comes to hand onto canvas and board. The spirit of the artist himself and excitement of the process is evident in each painting and his work has been widely exhibited in London and beyond. Now is your chance to bid for ‘Meadow Breeze’, a beautiful and calm piece. ‘Meadow Breeze’ by Owen Ward, mixed paint media on panel, 117 X 117 cm, unframed. Available for collection from the London offices of Veterans Aid. (Additional charges will apply if the winning bidder requires the artwork to be delivered.) For more information about the artist visit www.owenwardart.com.
Give yourself an excuse for a grand day out in London with this offer of a 2-course meal for two people in St James Theatre’s award-winning Carrara restaurant. Date to be arranged by mutual convenience subject to availability. Offer must be taken by 30th April 2015. Meal includes two courses from the set menu for each diner. Drinks, service charge and travel not included.
