The Friends of St Paul's held a fund-raising evening courtesy of Julian Polhill (Chair of the Friends) at Howbury Hall on Thursday 17th November 2022. Over 120 invited guests enjoyed a very convivial and fun evening that included a display of information relating to the sponsorship scheme and the project and appeal progress.

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An auction of quality items and experiences, generously donated by a number of individuals and businesses in support of the appeal, along with some additional donations, raised a total of £7,653 that will be match-funded by The Friends of St Pauls, bringing the total for the evening to a splendid £15,306.

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Guests were welcomed to Howbury Hall by Julian Polhill, Chair of The Friends of St Paul’s, who drew attention to the sponsorship scheme and also introduced The Friends’ offer of match funding of all donations up to £20,000. During the evening Fr. Kevin Goss, Vicar of St Paul’s, spoke of the great significance of the clock and bells to the town’s history, and their important role in recent national and civic services: for Her Late Majesty The Queen, and also for the Lord-Lieutenant's Valedictory Service and The High Sherriff’s Justice Service. He drew an analogy with a vintage motor vehicle that repeatedly failed its MOT and was no longer serviceable. Major restoration was necessary in the near future to prevent the clock from stopping and the bells falling silent, no longer heard across the town for such occasions. Charles Whitbread, Chair of the Tower, Clock, and Bells Appeal gave a vote of thanks to Julian, The Friends of St Paul’s, and to all who had supported the event through their generous donations and bids.

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We are most grateful and our sincere thanks go to all those who donated items for auction, to the successful bidders, and also to those who made personal donations to the appeal fund.