This year we have five wonderful opportunities for a super holiday or weekend break.

Please look at numbers: 12. Skiing in the French Alps (for 2 -5) 16. House in Flintham, Nottinghamshire (sleeps 11) 22. Lake district house (sleeps 13) 29. Constable country weekend (sleeps 4) 36. Holiday house in Southwold (sleeps 13)

Item Description

1 Breakfast at Ottolenghi (for 2)

Start your day with an absolutely delicious breakfast at the famous Ottolenghi restaurant in Upper Street.

2 Lunch at Inner Temple (for 2)

Why not continue your day with lunch at the Inner Temple with a family court circuit judge? She's very busy so you will need to fix a day well in advance.

3 Tea at the Berkeley Hotel (for 2)

After this you might go to the Berkeley Hotel in Knightsbridge for a very special tea - champagne with the house speciality of cakes that emulate fashionable designs.

4 Dinner at Plaquemine Lock (for 2)

Islington is full of wonderful restaurants and this new addition certainly adds to the variety. Plaquemine Lock is now the name of an English pub set on the Regents Canal near Noel Road. The newest venture from Jacob Kenedy (of Bocca di Lupo and Gelupo) it serves up Cajun and Creole food from Louisiana, and in 2017 was awarded a Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide.

5 A Magnum of Champagne

A magnum of Laurent Perrier Champagne needs no further description. Enjoy!

6 One day of work provided by Snip Gardens

Snip Gardens is a local business offering garden services in Islington. You are bidding for a day’s worth of their time. You can select from any of the Snip services, simply a day of garden maintenance, preparing your beds and borders for the spring and summer, or a detailed look at your garden including soil testing and preparation of a planting plan.

7 Pet portrait by Marney Merrett

Sadly our much loved pets have a relatively short lifespan. Wouldn't it be lovely to have a (30x42cm) permanent memento in the form of a lifelike portrait? Even if you don't own a dog or a cat, there must be someone in your life who would really appreciate this. Drawn in oil pastels, It will be mounted (40x50cm), and signed by the artist.

8 Luxury Spa experience (for 2)

Relax and unwind in the 5 Star Award-winning Athenaeum Hotel. Their boutique spa is a little slice of luxury providing all the essentials of a rejuvenating spa break in the heart of Mayfair.

9 Canonbury Kitchen meal voucher

‘Delicious food in a really lovely environment, friendly staff and great wine.' Voucher value £70.

10 Theatre tickets for Frozen 24th March (for 2)

Don't mistake this for a staged version of the Disney film! Suranne Jones stars in a moving portrayal of a mother facing her child's killer. The Royal Circle tickets for this very well reviewed performance are for the evening of 24th March.

11 Prue Leith Cookery Class (for 1)

Enjoy an exciting, informative and fun day or evening session. Indulge your favourite cuisine or perfect a particular cooking skill. With classes covering every aspect of cooking, and every speciality, you really will be spoilt for choice.

12 A week or long weekend skiing in the French Alps (for 2 -5) The duplex apartment is ideal for a couple or for a family of up to five. It is open plan with two beds on the lower floor, and a double plus a single in the upstairs balcony bedroom. The galley kitchen is very well provided with crockery and utensils. It has a full size dishwasher and a microwave combi. The bathroom has a bath with a shower. There is a SW facing balcony. It is available during the season 2018/19, but probably not half term or New Year.

This apartment, right on the piste, is in the heart of the 500kms Les Arcs/La Plagne skiing area. There are gentle runs between resinous pine trees, high steep narrow runs for the experts and everything in between. There are also thousands of acres of off-piste snowfields for skiers and snow boarders. The snow has been wonderful in the Alps this year, we have even had some experience of it in England! Perhaps next year will be the same?

View from the balcony

13 Watercolour life drawing

Our dear friend and supporter Diane Brace, who sadly died last Autumn wanted us to raise money with this delightful framed picture of ‘Doreen’. We know it was executed in 1992, but the talented artist has only initialled it. Perhaps a future owner will discover who S.M.P. was?

14 Half case of wine The beautifully boxed case contains wine of the famous Margaux property Chateau Kirwan. Charmes de Kirwan 2012 has just hit its peak drinking window and is stuffed with intense fruit flavours of cherry and cassis balanced by notes of oak, vanilla and spice.

15 Skating at Somerset House (for 8)

We may be approaching Spring, but before you know it Christmas will be upon us again! What nicer way to enter into the seasonal spirit than to go skating? Somerset House is a wonderful backdrop to this.

16 House in Flintham, Nottinghamshire (sleeps 11) These converted cottages have been a Rose Bowl favourite for some years. The successful bidders have always given it rave reviews. It is child friendly, has a large garden and a swimming pool and is set in flat countryside, so it is good for walking and cycling. With all mod cons, i.e. a large TV screen, Wi-Fi and a power shower it is a comfortable family retreat It sleeps up to 11 in 5 bedrooms. Available, by mutual agreement of course, for one week or long weekend any time of year.

In order to protect the privacy of the owners, we can only provide a picture of the pretty Flintham village. It is set in a very rural position has its own pub, and is only 2½ hours from London.

Flintham is surrounded by country footpaths, some of which date back to Roman times, you will be able to discover lovely villages and hamlets with special traditions including maypole dancing and the medieval system of open field farming. There is fishing in the local ponds and in the river Trent, which is only half a mile away and there are many historical places to visit and great gardens within half an hour drive. It is also close to the historic cities of Nottingham, and Lincoln.

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17 Voucher for Salut! Salut! is fast becoming a very popular local restaurant, and booking is essential; It is open every evening except Monday, and also for lunch at weekends. The voucher is for £50.

18 Late addition To be confirmed

19 Tottenham v Newcastle at Wembley 16th March (for 4)

This is a very special offer donated by a disappointed fan who will not be able to attend! It includes lunch and premium seats. If you love football, you will love this.

20 Tickets for The Lieutenant of Inishmore July 6th (for 2)

A new production written by Martin McDonagh and starring Aidan Turner, it was premiered in 2002 in Stratford but has not yet opened. It is described as McDonagh's best work. The tickets are for the evening of July 6th, at the Noel Coward Theatre, St Martin’s Lane.

21 Godfreys butchery course (for 1)

Join Chris, one of North London's most recognised butchers, at one of his monthly 'butchery' schools. You'll learn how to identify the best cuts, bone them, make sausages (and take them home) and even see how a whole pig is broken down. Not for the faint hearted!

22 Lake district house (sleeps 13) Southfield is on the shore of Lake Windermere. In addition to the large living/dining area and smaller playroom, there is a modern kitchen with an AGA and a utility room with washing machine and tumble-drier. There are three double bedrooms (one en-suite), two twin bedded rooms, and a single. In addition there are two bathrooms, two separate W.C.s, and a wet room. Your holiday is currently available either for the week of 21st September or 5th October. Other dates may be free but the house is much in demand so book ASAP.

The house has its own private jetty, and fantastic views over the lake. Next door is the Lake District Visitor’s Centre, which has 5 acres of formal gardens plus 25

acres of fields and woodlands (including an adventure playground). There are guided walks with the head gardener and talks and exhibitions where you can discover more about the Lake District.

There are plenty of activities for all ages, from kayaking and nature walks to treasure hunts and visiting Vikings. There are many lovely local walks straight from the house, with other Lake District favourites such as Tarn Howes and Striding Edge only a short car journey away. There is ample parking for several cars, but trains run from Euston to Oxenholme, connecting through to Windermere station, which is a short taxi/bus ride from the house.

23 Four bottles of mature vintage Penfold Shiraz.

This is seriously good wine, two bottles of Penfold Coonawarra Shiraz (1996 and 1998), and two of Kalimna Shiraz (1996 and 1998).

24 Gift box from Farang

Farang Restaurant is Highbury's Thai sensation of 2017. The gift box contains a voucher for £25, Seb Holmes 'Cook Thai' and a selection of Thai spices to get you on your way...

25 Late addition To be confirmed

26 Cocktail course at 69 Colebrooke Row (for 2)

The masterclasses at 69 Colebrooke Row are personally devised by Tony Conigliaro. You and a friend can learn to make classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned, Daiquiri, Tuxedo, Aviation and the Classic Champagne. Offer open till 1st September.

27 Voucher for Prawn on the Lawn

This local restaurant and fishmonger on St Paul's Road, has 5-star reviews. The imaginative menu is fastidiously prepared by hand. You will be rewarded

with great flavours. 'Absolutely delicious'. Voucher for £50.

28 Oil by Haidee Becker

Growing up in Rome in the 1950's amongst a cast of exotic characters, Haidee Becker is now an internationally renowned painter, who has exhibited widely in the UK and the USA. This gem of a painting perfectly captures the moment when two simple objects become something very special.

29 Constable country weekend (sleeps 4) On the edge of the River Stour, in Mistley, is the Listed granary store that has now been converted into residential units, and which form a South facing terrace of nine homes. The house is comfortably furnished with modern facilities. There is a double bedroom next to a family bathroom with shower and bath and a twin room with an en-suite shower room. It also has a small patio garden. There is a designated car parking space It is available for three nights in June, July or August by arrangement with the owner.

The little terraced houses have a lovely view over the river, which is the border between Essex and Sussex. It is a three mile walk along the river Stour to Constable’s Flatford Mill, and to Bridge Cottage, an NT property and there are lots of other attractions in the area including Grayson Perry's house.

Flatford Mill

There are several decent pubs and restaurants, in Manningtree/Mistley, all of which are within walking distance.

30 A brace of lobsters A regular at Farmers’ Markets, Les Lawrence is a Canonbury resident who also happens to be part of a cooperative of small inshore fishing boats based in Dorset. They use ecologically-friendly fishing methods and take great care of their catch to ensure it reaches market in tip-top condition – from live crayfish and oysters to crab and lobster meat. Have your pick of two live lobsters to be delivered in the N1 and N5 area. What a luxury! Size usually 750g to 1kilo.

31 England v Australia Rugby International 24th November (for 2)

For all of you rugby fans, this will be a a very exciting match to watch live at Twickenham. Can Australia put up a good challenge? Or will we have the satisfaction of beating them yet again? The date is Saturday 24th November.

32 Late addition To be confirmed

33 City Academy course of your choice

City Academy is one of London's leading creative and performing

arts academies. They offer hundreds of courses for adults in dancing, acting, singing, musical theatre, comedy, filmmaking, screen acting, writing, life skills, art & design, and photography for people of all ages (over 18). The voucher for £250 will give you a huge choice.

34 Another voucher from Salut!

Salut! has generously given us another voucher to auction. It is open every evening except Monday, and also for lunch at weekends. Booking is essential. (The voucher is for £50.)

35 A vintage lead crystal decanter and a bottle of single malt whisky

A beautiful square cut glass lead crystal decanter by Brierley and a bottle of Single Malt to fill it with. Very retro, very decadent!

36 Holiday house in Southwold (sleeps 13) Marram House is a large detached property, with spacious rooms and an enclosed garden. The house is ideal for those wishing to enjoy a relaxing holiday in Southwold whilst being close to the town and its amenities. Within a few minutes' walk you will also find the sandy beach and pier. It sleeps a total of 13 in 6 bedrooms, comprising 3 doubles, 2 twins, and a bunk room with 3 singles. Your holiday is available either for the week of 21st September or 5th October. but the house is much in demand so book ASAP.

Apart from the Pier and the beach itself, which has won the acclaimed 'Blue Flag' award for its golden sands. There is a wealth of things to do in and around Southwold. There is a range of boat trips, from high speed to a gentle cruise up the River Blyth to Blythburgh and back, or the 3 hour cruise to Scroby Sands to visit the seals and see the wind farm there close up. There is also a 9 hole golf club. Or you could relax with a massage or go to the tiny Electric Picture Palace. For young children there is the Moo Play Farm. And, of course, there is a wide selection of cafes and restaurants to suit all purses and gastronomic tastes.

37 England v India cricket match 11th August 2018 (for 2)

This will take place at Lords, no less. What better way to spend a Saturday in August? It starts at 11am.

38 Thai cookery class at Farang (for 2)

Dee, from COOKINGHAPPY, is an experienced chef who has cooked around the world, including London's top Thai restaurants, and has decided teach people about the food she loves. Join her for an evening class at Farang Restaurant (see no. 24) where you and a friend can sample and then prepare, cook, and - here's the good bit - eat a full Thai meal.

39 Late addition To be confirmed

40 Almeida Theatre tickets (for 2)

These tickets are for one of the preview performances of the world premiere of 'The Writer' by Ella Hickson. The available dates are Mon 16th April - Thursday !9th April, but it is essential to book early.

And finally ……….. with very grateful thanks to our hosts for this evening, the Friends of the Rose Bowl are delighted to have the offer of a meal from Frederick’s.

41 Dinner or lunch including house champagne at Frederick’s (for 2)

A fantastic place for a special celebration, although you will need no encouragement to book a three course dinner (or lunch) including a bottle of house champagne. It can be taken any weekday except Friday.