Following their successful takeover of the Fox & Pelican in Grayshott three months ago, the new managers, Ben and Emma, wanted to build on their success by holding a function that would not only promote the F&P, but raise funds for a local cause. They decided that the local children's hospice, CHASE, doing a very special job with little government funding, would be a great cause.

They made contact with the Buy in Grayshott campaign and persuaded them to join them in holding a Charity Casino Night in the pub. Between them items were obtained from local businesses and a charity raffle and auction was organised.

Barons of Hindhead and the Bathroom Shop in Grayshott sponsored the gaming tables, local entertainer, Tommy Jones, donated his time to the cause and provided the music for the evening, not to mention his jokes and Grayshott Pottery sponsored the specially printed raffle tickets.

The evening, last Saturday, was a roaring success. People crowded the gaming tables and then supported the auction. To give some measure of the generosity of local people, a lovely bouquet of flowers donated by Flower Vogue was the last item to be auctioned and raised £300!

Dick Smith, from the Buy in Grayshott campaign, and also the auctioneer for the evening, was amazed at the response by so many people. He commented that it was a fantastic evening enjoyed by all with the biggest winner of the evening being the Children's Hospice.

The biggest surprise came the following morning from Ben. Having put everything together, it transpired that £5,712 had been raised for CHASE. Ben reported that CHASE were absolutely delighted and were looking forward to coming along to have the cheque presented to them.