On Thursday, 19^th March 2015, The Great Badminton Church Restoration Fund held its inaugural fundraising event in The Old Servants Hall at Badminton House (by kind permission of The Duke and Duchess of Beaufort). The proceeds of the evening were split between The Badminton Church Restoration Fund and The Injured Jockeys Fund.

A panel of former Grand National winners was assembled to give an insight into the life and experiences of a top jockey, which led to some memorable and amusing tales, which kept the audience engaged throughout. The Revd. Canon Christopher Mulholland, a former Rector of Badminton, started the evening by introducing the panel. Richard Pitman acted as host for the evening, questioning the four members of the panel, as well as adding in his own animated annecdotes throughout the evening.

The panel consisted of:

• Richard Pitman (host)
• Marcus Armytage (1990 – Mr Frisk)
• Brendan Powell (1988 – Rhyme ‘n’ Reason)
• Graham Thorner (1972 – Well To Do)
• Hywel Davies (1985 – Last Suspect)

Following the jockeys’ tips for the 2015 Grand National, an auction was held to raise funds for the two charities. Mike Tucker ran the auction, successfully raising extra funds for the two charities. Finally, The Badminton Church Restoration Fund’s, Mrs Sheilah Michael closed the evening, thanking the panel for their wonderful annecdotes, as well as The Duke and Duchess of Beaufort for their generosity in hosting the event at Badminton House.