The Greatest Show on Earth
RAILWAY “BIG CHEESES” ARE TRUE DAREDEVILS
Billed as “The Greatest Show on Earth”, last year’s Railway Ball did not disappoint as over 1,000 Railway A-Listers witnessed Michael Roberts (Chief Executive, ATOC), Terry Morgan CBE (Chairman Crossrail), Fiona Taylor (Route Director, Network Rail) and Mary Grant (Managing Director, Rail Division FirstGroup) battle it out in Cirque du Celebrité.
The Ball’s four Railway Daredevils responded to a call from its Chairman, Michael Holden, to take part in a Circus Extravaganza and showcase their respective juggling, stilt walking, diablo and trapeze skills.
After seeing Peter Hendy shimmy his way to win Strictly Railway (last year’s Railway Ball’s take on Strictly Come Dancing), it was a request that was hard to refuse. “If a few bruises can help raise funds for Railway Children it will be a job well done”, commented Roberts. A sentiment endorsed by Mary Grant, “The Railway Children charity is synonymous with the UK Rail Industry and as such has had tremendous support from thousands of rail employees. The continued commitment even in these challenging times demonstrates our high regard for the charity’s efforts”.
In true reality TV style, the selection of the winner went to a public vote and in a spotlight frenzy saw the very glamourous Mary Grant crowned the winner, after her stunning performance on the trapeze.
Thanks to these good sports and the huge support from over 100 companies (including key sponsor Network Rail and the Railway Children’s new charity partner, Thales) the charity will benefit from a donation of over £185,000, taking the overall 10 year charitable contribution of the Ball to well in excess of £2million.
Planning has started for 2010, so click here to download the booking form, or email railwayball@cl-eventsandvenues.com for details.
