Celebrity panel divulge glamour secrets at Norwood’s Ladies Lunch
Moor Park Manor was the magnificent setting for Norwood’s second annual Ladies Lunch, which took place on Wednesday 21 November. The theme of the event was Trade Secrets of the Rich and Famous, and the 90 guests were treated to hot fashion tips and fascinating celebrity anecdotes by the guest panel, made up of model and lingerie designer Caprice, ex-head of promotions at EMI and founder of website what a girl needs, Katie Conroy, and fashionable boutique owner Anna Park. The event, once again organised by the Ladies Lunch Committee, raised £13,000 for Norwood, the leading UK Jewish charity for children and families.
The event began with a drinks reception, after which guests sat down to lunch. They were then shown a moving film highlighting Norwood’s work with people with disabilities. It focused on the Harris family, which has a disabled child, and showed how Norwood was there for them at the most difficult times, providing vital services as well as practical and emotional support. After the film, Judith Harris, the mother featured in the film, spoke about her experiences and reiterated why Norwood’s work is so vital.
Each member of the guest panel spoke about some of their experiences in the celebrity and fashion world, before taking questions from the floor. Anna Park has made a career out of styling women, and she recommended that ladies wear less black and opt for bolder colours and patterns instead. She declared that purple is the must-wear colour for this season, and also suggested the following: “If I could employ one person to help me with my look, it would be a personal make up artist. The best make-up artists make it look as if you don’t have any make up on.”
Caprice spoke about how she built herself up from modest roots to become one of the most photographed models in the world. She also discussed her love-hate relationship with the tabloids: “I have had ten law suits in the last four years and won them all. The rubbish that has been printed about me is unbelievable.” Speaking about her lingerie business, she declared: “My aim is to make my ladies feel great about themselves and comfortable in their own skin.”
Katie Conroy spoke about her hectic lifestyle on tour with the likes of Robbie Williams, Kylie Minogue and Tina Turner. She explained that she decided to leave the industry to set up her women’s shopping website because she never had the time to buy clothes. “I was travelling around the world on private planes using private runways and didn’t even have the chance to buy anything duty free.”
Speaking after the event, Caprice said: “I am delighted to support Norwood, which is a fantastic charity that carries out important work with vulnerable children and families.” Anna Park said: “Watching the video and speaking with Judith Harris was a humbling experience. I am really happy to have been involved with supporting Norwood today.” Katie Conroy said: “I was extremely touched by the film. You cannot overestimate the value of an organisation like Norwood.”
Ingrid Segal, of the Ladies Lunch Committee, was delighted with the event’s success: “It has been a wonderful day and I’d like to thank our guests for attending and our panel for their entertaining anecdotes. The money raised will go towards making a difference for many vulnerable children and families in our community.”
For further information please contact David Wosner, Public Relations Officer at Norwood on 020 8420 6942 or email david.wosner@norwood.org.uk
