Famous past pupils donate to support their old school

THREE famous past pupils have donated highly-prized items to auction to raise money for their old school.

A signed Team GB Olympic shirt from gold medallist Jack Laugher, cycling kit from Team GB cyclist Abi Smith and a stylish handbag from celebrated fashion designer Bruce Oldfield are among the array of coveted articles which will be auctioned online for Ripon Grammar School to raise funds for a new health and fitness suite.

The two-week auction which is open to parents, staff, governors and Old Rips, closes on Sunday, November 12. Links to the auction will be sent out on Monday, October 31.

Other prizes include Slingsby Gin, restaurant vouchers, hampers, beauty and hair vouchers, visits and experiences.

There will also be a raffle, to be drawn at the RGS Renaissance Ball on November 19, with prizes including wine-tasting, health club, climbing wall and cookery school vouchers. 

Bruce Oldfield has donated a second handbag from his latest collection, which will be auctioned at the ball alongside a range of other attractive items, including a £355 night's stay at Swinton Castle - to include dinner, bed & breakfast and use of the country club and spa.

These will all be auctioned off by BBC TV's Antiques Roadshow expert Adam Schoon on the night.

Thank you to all our generous donors, including: Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms, Webb & Webb home and garden gifts; Brimhams gym, Kiplin Hall, Boltby Pony Trekking, Ripon Pet Supplies, Lightwater Valley, Swimperfect, Slingsby Gin, Black Sheep Brewery, RHS Harlow Carr, The Works, Aldborough and Boroughbridge Show, The Inn (South Stainley), The Yorkshire Hussar Inn (Markington), Harrogate Footcare, Bishopton vets, Forbes Gifts & Interiors, The Orchid Restaurant (Harrogate), Stuff 4 Offices, Hopscotch, One to One Music Tuition

We are grateful for any hamper donations, which should be left at school reception by Tuesday, November 1. Please ensure all completed raffle tickets are handed in to reception by Friday, November 18. All money raised will go towards a new health, fitness and wellbeing suite at RGS.

Thank you to ArkleBoyce Architects of Leeds and London for sponsoring our Renaissance Ball welcome drinks reception.

If you would like to support our fundraising in any way, please contact friends@ripongrammar.com

Thanks to Slingsby Gin, who have donated some marmalade gin to accompany our Paddington Bear for our auction, above, in addition to prizes in our raffle, below