It’s not every Saturday you get to rub shoulders with VIPs in an amazing location, so editor Colette Doyle and RRM publisher Chris Pitchford made the most of their soirée at Woburn Abbey.

Hosted by Seabourn, the gala event was in aid of a very worthy cause, the Lord and Lady Taverners. Around 200 guests enjoyed drinks and a lavish dinner, and listened to an inspirational speech from Reverend Richard Coles that was both heart-warming and amusing.

The auction was particularly thrilling and guests also heard from a recipient of the charity who plays and umpires ‘table cricket’ (the game devised to help children and young adults with physical and learning disabilities participate in sport).

Cricketer Chris Cowdrey was the Master of Ceremonies, while Debbie McGee, who is the president of the Lady Taverners, also gave a rousing speech.

Other guests of note included Sir Tim Rice, Judith Chalmers, actress and singer Rachel Jerram, who has performed on board Seabourn in the past, and who sang the Seabourn anthem and other songs by Sir Tim Rice during the evening.

Guests enjoyed a sumptuous feast of seafood terrine, lamb shoulder and panna cotta for dessert, washed down with a selection of fine wines. Woburn Abbey proved the perfect backdrop for this decadent affair, with beautiful table decorations and priceless paintings by Italian artist Canaletto.

In total, an amazing £75,000 was raised for the charities.

Visit seabourn.com for more information.