John Casson Foundation’s annual fundraising dinner with guest speaker former Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) Sir Richard Dearlove raises £22,465 to support Cornwall’s Young and Talented and local children’s charities.
Friday 3 May 2024
At The Idle Rocks hotel in St Mawes, Cornwall on Wednesday 10th April 2024.
On Wednesday 10th April, John Casson MBE hosted the annual John Casson Foundation fundraising dinner at the stunning Idle Rocks Hotel in St Mawes, raising an impressive £22,465 for Young & Talented Cornwall and local children’s charities.
Headed by Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall Colonel Sir Edward Bolitho KCVO OBE, Young & Talented Cornwall supports young individuals who have demonstrated an outstanding talent but are struggling to achieve their ambition or progress in their chosen career because of hardship or disability.
The John Casson Foundation, founded in 2013 by John Casson MBE, is a trust with a core purpose to help develop young people in Devon and Cornwall. The foundation is committed to supporting young people through a variety of charitable avenues including the Young & Talented Cornwall Fund.
Fundraising dinner guests were joined by Sir Richard Dearlove KCMG OBE, a retired intelligence officer who headed up the British MI6, who kindly gave up his time to join as the guest speaker. In a speech, Sir Richard impressed guests with his incredible recollection of stories from his 39-year tenure in the Secret Service including his postings in Nairobi, Prague, and Iraq.
Generously sponsored by Arbuthnot Latham and Ellis Wharton Wines, 73 guests enjoyed the sell-out event, with a champagne reception and outstanding three-course dinner courtesy of Idle Rocks Executive Head Chef Stuart Shaw and his team at the Reef Knot Restaurant. Young & Talented Cornwall’s very own chorister and cellist, Imogen Dowse, brought the room to life with live music. In the auction guests purchased an array of prizes, including artwork from local artists, dinner vouchers, signed rugby memorabilia and weekend stays.
Images:
Image 1 – Sir Richard Dearlove KCMG OBE giving a speech at the John Casson Foundation fundraising dinner.
Image 2 – Young & Talented Cornwall’s very own chorister and cellist, Imogen Dowse, playing live music for the guests.
Image 3 – Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall Colonel Sir Edward Bolitho KCVO OBE, introducing Young and Talented Cornwall, alongside John Casson MBE.
Image 4 – Canapés provided by The Idle Rocks Hotel, in St Mawes, Cornwall.
