The Accipiter - Special Feature August 2005

Special Feature - August 2005

The experimental Fly by Night evenings in June were a great success. Combining Flying demonstrations, music and an art exhibition, and opened by celebrities, the events were well attended and well received. Marketing Manager Tracey Smith gives us the story...

Fly By Night.

CEO Ashley Smith with Sir George Young MP

Ashley meeting local MP
Sir George Young

Following a suggestion by long time Trust supporter and sculptress Vivien Mallock, it was decided earlier in 2005 to hold a unique fundraising evening featuring both the Trust’s flying display and an exhibition of top wildlife art. The date was set for the weekend of the 18th/19th June, and then the hard work began.

Several planning meetings were held, with decisions to be made on invitations, catering, music, artwork and a 1001 other things. The name Fly By Night was born, and in order to make the night special it was agreed to fly the birds to music. One night then spread to two, so that one evening could be reserved especially for our members and the other for invited guests and corporate interests.

Couple at picnic table sipping champagne in the sunshine

Enjoying the champagne and canapés

Some corporate sponsorship was received to help towards the cost, and many companies and individuals donated prizes for the fundraising auctions to be held on the evenings.

On the Thursday before the event the marquee arrived and then the hard physical work began over the next two days - putting out tables and chairs, floral decorations and placing and hanging all the art work. Many thanks must go to the Trust staff, volunteers, artists and Trustees who all lent a hand.

The weekend arrived and we were blessed with blue skies and brilliant sunshine, and nearly three hundred guests enjoyed champagne and canapés to the sounds of a saxophone quartet.

Staff were on hand with some of the flying birds to meet guests

Ashley gave an opening speech about the Trust’s conservation work with the Oriental White Backed Vulture and why the fundraising was so important. The evening was officially opened by the Trust’s patron, Rolf Harris, who praised both the Trust and its work, and the quality of the artwork on display.

Staff were on hand with some of the flying birds to meet guests, and there was also the chance to meet some of the young baby owls born this season. The artwork was well received, and any purchases on the night rewarded the Trust with 33% of the purchase price.

Crowd showing great pleasure watching the birds fly

The birds flew to music to the great enjoyment of the crowd

The first flying display took place, and the birds and music worked incredibly well together, with the star being the Peregrine Falcon flying to the sounds of '633 Squadron'. Then there was time to enjoy more champagne, to buy raffle tickets for the limited edition bronze vulture, and to bid for prizes in our fundraising auction. The second flying display was a wonderful end to the evening, and all guests left with a pack detailing the work of the Trust.

Engraved glass work

Then, before we could draw breath, and after a busy normal day at the Trust, we were all back for the second evening. Again we were lucky with the beautiful weather, and the music this evening was provided by a 16-piece swing band. Tonight’s events were hosted by Trustee and TV presenter Chris Packham, and the audience were in stitches with his pick of the artwork and auction prizes. Another successful evening followed, which was rounded off by the drawing of the raffle prize. Unfortunately the ticket holders were not present, but using his mobile an unusual message was left for them by Chris.

The event was a great success and helped generate funds for the vulture project and raise awareness of the work of the Trust. From the letters and glowing comments received after the event, everyone thoroughly enjoyed the evening, was impressed by the quality and professionalism of all involved, and hopefully the Trust will have gained some new friends and supporters for the future.

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