News & events News Over £16,000 raised at Summer Drinks with Friends of Mountbatten An incredible £16,106.79 was raised, when Mountbatten Isle of Wight supporters gathered for an annual summer drinks event on the lawns of historic Barton Manor. Broadcaster, author and gardener, Alan Titchmarsh, CBE, Patron of Mountbatten Isle of Wight, was among those to attend on 18 July. Addressing the guests, Alan said: “I know, having lived on the Island for 25 years, just what Mountbatten achieves and the respect in which it is held across the country — as a beacon of excellence, of compassion, of care and of kindness. I am delighted to do whatever I can to help.” David Rogers and his All About Catering team served drinks and delicious canapes, on what turned out to be a balmy summer’s evening. Prizes were won in a raffle, including meals at The Smoking Lobster and RT Café Grill, a wine tasting session at The Terrace in Ventnor, artwork, bottles of fizz and more. Live music was provided by Cat Skellington. Patron of the Friends of Mountbatten, Lady Cheshire, said: “Mountbatten Isle of Wight is an exceptional charity. Its expert staff support so many people in our community.” Here's how to join Kate in being a Friend of Mountbatten and support Mountbatten Hampshire Sign up to donate regularly, and enjoy benefits including a welcome pack and our Mountbatten Event Calendar. You'll be invited to special events and gain early access to popular activities, including Walk the Wight and exciting challenges. CLICK HERE to get involved as a Friend of Mountbatten "By becoming a Friend and giving regularly, you will support Mountbatten Isle of Wight’s expert and compassionate staff to continue to deliver 24/7 care in homes across the Island and in the hospice in Newport, as well as through the John Cheverton Centre community space,” added Kate. On the night, retiring Mountbatten CEO, Nigel Hartley, MBE, thanked the organisers (Kate, Kate, Katharine, Kim and Dawn!), as well as sponsors Spire HealthCare, Spence Willard, Glanvilles Damant, PC Consulting, Savills and Bright Brown, for their support. There were thanks, too, to Dawn and Alex Haig-Thomas for generously hosting the event in the grounds of their beautiful home. Addressing guests, Nigel spoke about the importance of being a Friend of Mountbatten. He said: “Regular support from the Friends of Mountbatten makes a huge difference to what Mountbatten Isle of Wight can achieve and for that, we are hugely grateful. “Being generous every month, whether that’s in the form of a few pounds or more, allows us to expand and develop our wide-ranging services and helps ease the pressure we face at a time of proposed funding cuts, among financial challenges.” Mountbatten’s incoming CEO, Becky McGregor and chair of the board of trustees, Sir Ian Cheshire, were also at the event. Manage Cookie Preferences