Starcards



	Jan 2009 - Live auction at Toppstrings event StarCards start 2009 with a live auction with an invitation from local musician and promoter Jeff Topp to an 'Evening of Guitar' with world renowned session player Phil Hilborne. Phil has regularly performed in the massive hit Queen musical 'We Will Rock You' at London's Dominion theatre in the West End. He has also toured extensively with his own band and for nearly 20 years with Iron Maiden. Phil delighted the crowd by performing songs from 'We Will Rock You' and finished the night with an impromptu session with a fee buddies and local musicians. An auction on the night of a signed Mark Knopfler GOSH display raised a very impressive £450 for the charity. Phil kindly donated signed copies of his book Solo and of course signed his very own StarCard. Jeff, Phil thank you both ! More info on Toppstrings and Phil Hilborne can be found here - www.toppstrings.co.uk/guitartuition.htm, www.philhilborne.com/enter.htm June 2008 - Melanie South School visit. British number three Melanie South made her first school visit to Pevensey and Westham during a short break from preparing for the Women's International Championships in Eastbourne. The excited students coached by veteran GB professional Francis Mackie made a big impression on Mel who really enjoyed her visit. The visit was arranged between StarCards, the LTA and the WTA. Mel took time to sign her own StarCards and pose for the camera. The school continue to support StarCards in their work for GOSH. February 2008 StarCards were very lucky to be invited to an exclusive sneak preview of the new swashbuckling musical 'Zorro'. They joined the producer and stars from the show at a VIP launch at the Eastbourne Winter Gardens. The stars were happy to sign and pose with their chosen StarCards which will be auctioned to raise much need funds for the charity. Featuring an incredible new score by Latin music sensations the GIPSY KINGS, Zorro starts its World Premier tour at Eastbourne on 4th March, prior to London's West End. Ticket info at www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk January 2008 'Once again the StarCards team were delighted to present funds raised during 2007 to the wonderful work of GOSH, the Cheque for £12,000 will be used to support phase 2 of the redevelopment of Great Ormond Street Hospital. Phase 2 is taking place over a seven-year period and it is expected to cost £321 million to complete. Since the launch of the concept in 2002 the team have raised in excess of £50,000 for the charity. StarCards are extremely grateful to all our auction bidders and supporters, with a special thank you to the Women's Tennis Association, Special Signings and Football in Focus for their long term commitment.' June 2007 - Elena Dementieva School visit. Russian tennis star Elena Dementieva took some time off from preparing for the Women's International Championships in Eastbourne to spend time with pupils of Pevensey & Westham C.E Primary School. The pupils were able to ask questions and demonstrate their tennis skills to Elena. After signing her StarCards Elena posed for the camera November 2006 Another year of auctions, events, and fundraising activities enabled StarCards and friends from the Women's Tennis Association to visit GOSH with additional funds for the charity. StarCards were shown around the newly opened Octav Botnar Wing, It comprises: The new Somers Medical Daycare Centre for children whose treatment can be managed within a day or series of day visits. An Orthopaedic Ward for the treatment of children with conditions such as spina bifida, congenital limb problems and osteogenesis imperfecta. The Harris International Patient Centre for self-funding patients from the UK and abroad. A Biomedical Engineering Centre where clinical equipment is adapted, modified and maintained for use with babies and young children. June 2006 - Justine Henin-Hardenne School visit. French Open champion and world number three Justine Henin-Hardenne took some time off from preparing for the Hastings Direct International Championships to spend time with pupils of Pevensey & Westham C.E Primary School. The pupils were able to demonstrate their tennis skills to the Belgian sensation who has over her tennis career to date captured 24 titles including the US Open, Australian Open and French Open. Justine said;” It’s great to be able to come to a school and meet the kids. I never had the opportunity to play tennis at school but I think it’s very important to encourage tennis. The kids were a bit shy to begin with but after five minutes they were playing good tennis.” The visit was arranged between StarCards, the LTA and the WTA. Justine was delighted to see her StarCards and donated kit on display ready for the 2006 Tennis auction. The school support StarCards in their work for GOSH.
	January 2006 - StarCards join the MissionFish community MissionFish helps charities raise money on eBay, enabling eBay sellers to give some or all of their sale proceeds to their favourite charitable organisations and help charities become eBay sellers too - turning buying and selling on eBay into a new source of unrestricted income for charities. Why not sell on eBay for StarCards? www.missionfish.org.uk/ForSellers/forsellers.jsp
	November 2005 Another year of auctions, events, and fundraising activities enabled StarCards and friends from the Women's Tennis Association to visit GOSH with additional funds for the charity. The team were given an insight into the work of the paediatric cardiac unit by Dr. Nick Pigott, consultant in paediatric cardiac intensive care, to see how the funds and support is really helping to maintain Great Ormond Street as one of the leading paediatric hospitals in the World.
	September 2005 - Status Quo Once again Status Quo dealt a helping hand for the StarCards fundraising team. Quo kindly donated 2 tickets to see a live UK Status Quo Concert on the 2005 tour, a special 'meet and greet' in the band’s dressing room prior to the show plus signed Quo memorabilia. The auction raised over £2000.
	June 2005 Children from Great Ormond Street Hospital received a surprise invitation to meet recent Eastbourne Champion Kim Clijsters during the first week of the Wimbledon Championships at the Sony Ericsson WTA tour European HQ in Roehampton. Kim a frequent GOSH supporter was delighted to give up her time to play with the children and has donated a pair of signed trainers to raise much needed funds for the hospital
	June 2005 - Kim Clijsters School Visit Kids, at Pevensey and Westham C.E. Primary School in East Sussex were treated to an extra special PE lesson this morning when Kim Clijsters, the former World Number One from Belgium, gave them a tennis masterclass at their school. The visit was arranged between StarCards, the LTA and the WTA. The school support StarCards in their work for GOSH
	MAY 2005 - The Voice and Guitar of Dire Straits, Mark Knopfler is back in the UK During the mid point of his worldwide tour, Mark a regular StarCards supporter was happy to pose for the camera at the Brighton Centre on May 25th. A very special signed Mark display will be available for auction during his five nights at the Royal Albert Hall. Continue to visit for full details available soon.
	MARCH 2005 - Opening of the Wolfson Centre for Gene Therapy During 2004 a number of medical based associations and charities benefited from £50k through awards made under the BT Retail Community Challenge, to people who had personal involvement in these charities and had applied for an award for funding. The money was raised through a special incentive scheme pioneered by Pierre Danon, chief executive of BT Retail. StarCards successfully applied for Community Challenge funding of £5,000 to add to the £7,000 raised by the StarCards team. A cheque for £12,000 was presented to Dona Selby Executive Director of Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity at a special event onboard HMS Cornwall in London. Sir Cyril Chantler, Chairman of GOSH NHS Trust said 'It was a great honour to be given the opportunity to work with the Royal Navy to further raise the profile of the hospital. We really do appreciate the help that BT through StarCards are providing'. Olivia Garfield, Director BT Retail Service Agility and Paul Brett were recently invited to the opening ceremony of the Wolfson Centre for Gene Therapy at the Institute for Child Health, where an Inverted TC Microscope funded from the joint StarCards/Community Award is now in active service in the research into gene therapy.
	March 2005 John Terry CHELSEA captain John Terry made a flying visit to Eastbourne, just 48 hours after his Champions League heroics against Barcelona, and StarCards were invited to an exclusive session with the Chelsea and England star by Walls of Fame owner and Chelsea fan Phil Cole. Phil Cole has known John Terry for a number of years and has worked on many picture frames for the Chelsea star. 'We have known each other for a few years and I do a lot of personal framing for him,' he said. 'John does love to keep his own shirts and have them displayed in his house. We have been working closely for a few years and to return the favour he has come here to help promote the shop.' Phil is actively supporting StarCards with high quality displays of some very exclusive items for future auctions. More information on Phil's business can be found at http://www.footballinfocus.co.uk
	March 2005 Eastbourne Eagles StarCards were guests of Co-promoter Jon Cook at Eastbourne Eagles Speedway teams Press and Practice day. Gary Gamlin arranged through Jon an exclusive opportunity to meet the team in their new race suits, and for the team to sign StarCards according to their team position. The team also signed a GOSH T-shirt. StarCards wish the Eagles good luck for the coming season. More information on Eastbourne Eagles can be found at http://www.elite-eagles.com/
	January 2005 MAGIC ROUNDABOUT CHARITY PREMIERE StarCards were delighted to be invited to the Charity Premiere of a new film version of children's television classic The Magic Roundabout. Stars including Denise Van Outen and Tania Bryer attending the after show party were delighted to sign for StarCards. Click here to see some of the event pictures THE MAGIC ROUNDABOUT IS RELEASED NATIONWIDE BY PATHE PICTURES ON FEBRUARY 11TH 2005
	December 2004 'Pop World 2004' at Wembley Arena Starcards were delighted to donate to the GOSH 40 tickets for the 'Pop World 2004' event at Wembley Arena, tickets kindly donated by our friends, 3A productions. Acts included: WESTLIFE - McFLY - Natasha Bedingfield - Estelle - Rooster - 411 and V
	September 2004 HMS Cornwall A totally unique event inspired by StarCards lead to a joint GOSH / Royal Navy charity reception onboard Royal Navy frigate HMS Cornwall this September. GOSH and StarCards were able to thank their major sponsors by taking them on a cruise up the River Thames, thanks to Captain Simon Charlier and HMS Cornwall. Tower Bridge opened to allow the ship through to berthed alongside HMS Belfast. The Navy also arranged ship's visits for GOSH patients, parents, staff and supporting schools. At a very special charity reception onboard the ship, GOSH executive director Dona Selby received a cheque for £12,000 from StarCards, £5000 of which was a community challenge award from BT Retail. StarCards were privileged to host a breakfast at the BT Tower for the crew of HMS Cornwall, thanks to BT. Click here to see some of the event pictures

	July 2004 GARFIELD CHARITY PREMIERE STARCARDS were delighted to be invited to the charity premiere of the new GARFIELD movie. It's a wonderful film for children and those who were once children. Cat Deeley was one of the celebrities who attended and was happy to sign for starcards. Click here to see some of the other signings from the premiere.

	June 2004 - Amelie Mauresmo The latest StarCards event saw ladies tennis ace and current world number 4 Amelie Mauresmo visit Pevensey and Westham School during the Wimbledon warm up event at Eastbourne. Amelie who signed for StarCards earlier this year thoroughly enjoyed the visit arranged by our friends at the WTA tour and the LTA. Some lucky children had the opportunity to test their racquet skills against Amelie at the net and she had fun joining in with the school sports day events.

	June 2004 - Peter Gabriel StarCards were delighted to send our GOSH friends to see the Peter Gabriel 'Still Growing Up' Tour, at Wembley, tickets kindly donated by, 3A productions.


	May 2004 - First Olympian signing Olympic and World Gold Medallist Tim Foster signed with the stroke of a pen for StarCards at the Eastbourne Rowing Club Annual Youth Regatta. Tim, was part of the coxless four that won gold in Sydney, he also won an Olympic bronze in 1996 as well as seven World Championships medals and was the special guest for the event held at Willingdon Community School in East Sussex. In a close run event organised by Club Captain Colin Guppy, Willingdon the hosts were worthy overall winners. Tim hopes that his signature can help StarCards with their fundraising auctions.

	May 2004 - Take off in 2004 A sprinkle of magic, a quick shuffle and a whole new look for 2004. StarCards are off with a flash, a fresh new look, complete with a dazzling array of new signings. Stars such as Sting, Ozzy Osbourne, Victoria Beckham, Neil Diamond, Mark Knopfler, Angelina Jolie, Kylie, Michael Crawford, and some of our favourite friends continue to support our fundraising efforts for GOSH. New auctions and events are planned throughout the year and beyond. Watch the new count down timer for the next auction, coming soon.

	December 2003 PETER PAN WORLD CHARITY PREMIERE STARCARDS were delighted to be invited to the world charity premiere of the new PETER PAN movie. The launch of the new action adventure film, PETER PAN premiered in London on the 9th of December 2003. It's a wonderful film for children and those who were once children. 'Wendy' played by Rachel Hurd-Wood was delighted to sign for STARCARDS

	December 2003 'Pop World' at Wembley Arena Starcards were delighted to donate to the GOSH 40 tickets for the 'Pop World' event at Wembley Arena, tickets kindly donated by our friends, 3A productions. Hosted by Emma Bunton, acts included: WESTLIFE, GIRLS ALOUD, LIBERTY X, BUSTED, BLAZIN SQUAD, GARETH GATES. With a very special apperance by Pop Idol finalist's Sam, Chris, Michelle and Mark.

	November 2003 'Blue' at Wembley Arena The team were delighted to donate to the GOSH 60 tickets to see BLUE, at Wembley, tickets kindly donated by our friends, 3A productions. BLUE filmed a special performance of their new single 'Signed Sealed Delivered' for all new Top Of The Pops which you should be able to see on BBC 1 on December 5th.

	November 2003 - The Beaujolais Run Intrepid street rod enthusiast Colin Burbage hits the road again on the 2003 Beaujolais Run, in aid of GOSH. Colin's 1937 Ford street rod will be supported by the National Street Rod Association, STARCARDS, and Custom Car magazine will report on the event. The Crew (Kim Freeman and Colin) set off from Brands Hatch on the evening of 18th November and head for Macon in France. If you would like to support or sponsor Colin's driving challenge, please contact him on 01277 326974 You can check out more details of the event at: http://www.gosh.org/events/driving_challenge/index.html The entry fee of £500 per car, and the cost of all fuel, is borne by the entrants, so all the sponsorship money goes to the hospital. If you feel you can support the challenge, please return a mail to colin.burbage@bt.com and let Colin know what amount you are willing to pledge. If you feel bold enough to send a cheque right now, they should be made payable to "Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity" and sent to Colin at Room 316, Neville House, St.Anne's Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 2DD.

	July 2003 - Race Day Silverstone Starcards enjoyed a day at Silverstone with GOSH. Hospitality kindly provided by Bernie Ecclestone gave GOSH the opportunity to do some fundraising and treat some very special children to a fantastic day out. One lucky lad even got to sit in Jensen Button's F1 car! A massive thank you to Sutton images for their tremendous support. Starcards can confirm we weren't running up the track promoting the auction!

	June 2003 - Kim Clijsters at GOSH The WTA served up an ace when current World number 2 Kim Clijsters accompanied Starcards in a visit to GOSH. Kim spent time on the wards with the children, parents and staff, signing items and posing for photo's. The children were delighted to have such a star visit them, Kim your a winner !

	May 2003 - Gandalf Lord of the Rings star, Sir Ian McKellan signs GOSH playing cards and two stunning photos. One photo as Gandalf the grey uniquely signed "Wizard Wishes Ian McKellan" from the film The Fellowship of the Ring. The other photo as Gandalf the White from the film The Two Towers signed "best wishes Ian McKellan". Watch out for these special items in the forthcoming June auction.

	April 2003 - F1 Drivers sign Mark Sutton, Motor sports photographer extraordinaire of Sutton Images has collected all of the 2003 Formula One Drivers signatures on GOSH playing cards and on a unique Grid Photo. This is an incredible achievement after only the first 2 races of the year. Mark will be prowling the pit lane, cards in hand , ready to catch any motor sport legends and Celebs at each Grand Prix for the rest of the season. You're a star Mark.

	March 2003 - F1 Pledge support Starcards are delighted to announce that f1play.com and Sutton images have pledged their support and will be obtaining Formula 1 signatures on the playing cards and signed F1 memorabilia throughout the season. We are planning a special F1 auction to coincide with the British GP at Silverstone, and hope to include such items as signed visors and gloves, unique framed prints, and of course the GOSH signed playing cards.

	November 2002 - GOSH Celebration Party The sky was really the limit for TV Stars Emma Forbes and Linda Robson who hosted a Great Ormond Street Hospital children's party at the top of the BT Tower on 11 November 2002. TV's Tania Bryer brought her two daughters along to share in the fun. Patients from the hospital were able to take in the amazing views of London while they met a very special guest - Bear from Jim Henson's "Bear in the Big Blue House" who was over from New York for one week only!

	November 2002 - Auction launch The StarCards charity online auction, in association with specialsignings.com, will be launched at a celebrity commemorative party, hosted by EMMA FORBES and LINDA ROBSON, to be held at the BT Tower London on November 11 th 2002 . Over 40 Great Ormond Street Hospital children and celebrity guests will attend a children's party to celebrate the hospital's 150th anniversary. The national media will be invited to the launch of the auction and to report on the event.

	November 2002 - Starcards Launches Starcards, a simple idea of celebrity signings on Great Ormond Street Hospital playing cards was conceived and STARCARDS was born. The fundraising project was initiated by a group of BT project managers in aid of their chosen charity. The website was designed by Chris Parkin and developed by Joe Morrow and Charlotte Jackson

	June 2002 – Ronan Keating at Wembley The team were delighted to donate to the charity 70 tickets to see Ronan Keating at Wembley in June, tickets kindly donated by our friends, Triple A productions.

	June 2002 – Association of Tennis Professionals world tour visit to GOSH Thanks to BT - children at Great Ormond Street Hospital were given a real treat when some of the world's top tennis players - including British No 4 seed Jamie Delgado - paid them a surprise visit. The visit formed part of an ongoing fundraising project by a group of BT project managers in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity. The initiative is the brainchild of BT Complete customer project manager Paul Brett who has organised for hundreds of celebrities, including tennis players, to sign playing cards embossed with the hospital's logo to raise money.