ATLAS MOUNTAIN TREK IN AID OF AFRIKIDS & MACMILLAN

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The group at the summit

The group at the summit

08 Nov 2008, 6:03 PM by Victor Ubogu

Leaving Chinawhite at 3.30am I head straight for the Park Lane Hotel, quick shower, pack my bags and off to the Gatwick for my 0630 flight to Marrakech!

 

I got involved with the Atlas Mountain trek through my good friend and client, Nick Groom, who had asked me to arrange a Tag Rugby Tournament as part of his fundraising. The trek supported two excellent causes, Afrikids and Macmillan.

 

I arrive in Marrakech and we are driven to Imlil at the base of the Atlas Mountains. My expectation was checking into a hotel and grabbing a well deserved 10 hour sleep before trekking the next morning – wrong! I had read the itinerary of the other members who had arrived two days earlier than me due to VU running the Lee Mears dinner a day after the main party left the Uk for Marrakech.

 

The expression on my face on learning that we were immediately trekking for 6 hours, climbing 1300m was one to be savoured for an eternity. Andrew, the paramedic that was accompanying me on the trek laughed his head off on the realization that I expected a hotel bed. Champagne, tequila, white wine, red wine still displaced all evidence of blood in my system. The next 3 hours were the toughest thing I can ever remember encountering. I had never felt so much pain before. I hit the wall..thank God we had a mule with us! Thankfully the rest of the team didn’t react quickly enough to capture on my arrival at base camp on the back of a mule!

 

So far well over £130,000 has been raised for both charities and a big hand goes to Alistair Turner who masterminded the whole programme. His unrelenting energy through out campaign was awesome and the whole experience with the other trekkers was fantastic.

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Lee Mears Testimonial Dinner

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No prizes for spotting the England second row..

No prizes for spotting the England second row..

14 Oct 2008, 7:55 PM by Victor Ubogu

Champagne reception kicked off at 7pm and I received a call that the coach from Bath bringing all the Bath & Bristol based players was running late due to a major accident on the M4 resulting in closure of all lanes post junction 5. This is the sort of nightmare we don't want - the man of the evening plus our MC were on board the coach! At 7.30pm, we were due to sit down, the coach had reached Hammersmith, traffic was crawling and we had used up our budgeted champagne allownance. Oh well, had to keep the bubbly rolling, at 8pm they were at Shepherds Bush, we were 20 bottles of champagne over budget - time to call all guests to dinner before our budget gets completely blown.

I assume the role of MC, welcome everyone and introduced the lovely ladies from RADA for their opening number. Just as the performance finished, the boys from the west entered the Nursery Pavilion. Relief all round from the VU team. Bath prop, David Flatman takes over as MC and runs a fabulously smooth and successful evening. Mark Regan was a star panellist recounting a story about horse racing enthusiast, Simon Shaw, being introduced to Richard Dunwoody in a Dublin nightclub following a game. Shawsy got on all fours and insisted the Richard rode him around the dance floor, Richard duly complied!

From Lord's to Chinawhite where we danced the night away like there was no tomorrow. At 4am I left Chinawhite, picked up my trekking gear from our hotel and on to Gatwick for a 6.30am flight to Marrakech to join the rest of the Afrikids Atlas mountains trekking group! more on that in a few days time.

It was fun seeing so many current and former players again and the banter flowed all evening.

Lee's next London event is the Nordoff Robbins Six Nations Dinner at the Royal Lancaster Hotel on 21st Jan 09. At this year's corresponding dinner, Simply Red brought the house down - who knows who our surprise guest act will be next Jan..be there to find out!

 

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Lee Mears Testimonial Dinner - Preview

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bugger off!!

bugger off!!

07 Oct 2008, 4:19 PM by Victor Ubogu

Labels: dallaglio, regan

I am excited about catching up with some of the boys tomorrow night at England & Bath hooker, Lee Mears' Testimonial Gala Dinner at the Nursery Pavilion, Lords.

A snapshot of some of the boys attending include Lawrence Dallaglio, Jason Leonard, Danny Cipriani, Phil Vickery, Tom Palmer, Matt Perry, Mike Claasen, Butch James, Matt Stevens, James Haskell, Mark Regan and many more

Fundraising is supporting PRA Benevolent Fund, Wooden Spoon and Willow Foundation - a full lisdt is below and if you are keen to place a reserve on any items, send  me an email at victor.ubogu@vultd.co.uk 

if you are coming, see you tomorrow, if not, I'll fill you in on how the night went.

Vic 

MA1

World Cup Signed Rugby Jersey 2007Signed & framed original England rugby jersey by the 2007 Rugby World Cup Squad 
MA2 World Cup Memorabilia 2007Signed & framed World Cup stitched boots by Lee Mears and a signed & framed original World Cup 2007 programme and rugby ball.
MA3 Coaching Session with Martin Johnson at TwickenhamDates to be confirmed by both parties. Must be taken by Oct 2009.  
MA4 Rugby Players at your DinnerPaul Sackey and Danny Cipriani will join you and your guests at your dinner at a London Restaurant. Taken by December 2009. 
MA5 Five star hotel in South Africa7 night’s accommodation at any Three Cities Hotel, Safari or Resorts in South Africa subject to availability.  Flight and Ground transport not included. Courtesy of Russell Stevens, Executive Chairman of Three Cities Group. Expires October 2009. 
MA6 Enjoy a week’s stay at Leon Lloyd’s accommodation in Porto Banus. Flights not included. This 1st floor 2-bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment offers not only the best in location and breath taking views but is also second to none with regards to the quality of amenities and furnishings provided. Within ten minutes drive you can enjoy a relaxing day at one of Marbella's beautiful beaches or you can visit the World Famous Puerto Banus with its top quality restaurants, exclusive boutiques and night life which only stops when you do! Expires October 2009.  
MA7 Round of golf with three Bath players of your choiceVenue to be confirmed. Dates to be confirmed by all parties. Must be taken by Oct 2009.  
MA8 Martin Johnson  Impact Art CanvasA unique piece of conceptual art created by Martin Johnson. The former England captain who led the squad to a Grand Slam and World Cup victory in 2003 made his mark by kicking a paint covered rugby ball through against a blank canvas. This is one of only 50 limited edition prints.  
MA9 Luxury Weekend in Bath (Friday 5th-Sunday 7th December 2008)Two nights stay at the luxurious Bath Priory Hotel. Includes dinner at their 1* Michelin restaurant, two places on Victor Ubogu’s table to the Black and Gold Ball on Friday 5th Dec & two tickets to the Bath Heineken Cup game on Sunday 7th December,  includes full all day hospitality.  

 

Silent auction

 

No.

Silent Auction Item Minimum Bid Estimate YOUR BID
SA1 Rodrigues Island, Mauritius Holiday7 nights for two staying at the luxurious Point Venus Hotel & Spa in a Superior Room, bed & breakfast (flights & transfers not included) subject to availability. Expires 1st October 2009.  £1,500   £1,800-£2,000   
SA2 Nordoff Robbins Six Nations Championship dinnerGold table of ten hosted by a rugby international at the Nordoff Robbins Six Nations Championship dinner on 21st January 09 at the Royal Lancaster Hotel.    £2000  £2500-3500   
SA3 “Lions Tales” Dinner, LondonSilver Table of ten hosted by a rugby international at this British Lions Gala event previewing the forthcoming tour, at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London on 6th  May 09  £1500   £2500-3500  
SA4 Hong Kong 7s Package 24-30 March 2009. Prize is for two people includes return economy flights from London, five nights twin share accommodation at the Excelsior Hotel, welcome dinner and three day pass to the 7s.Hosted by Victor Ubogu  £2600  £2800-3500  
SA5 Dubai 7s 08. Package is for two people and includes return flight, three nights at Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Hotel Resort and Towers and match ticket. Departs on 26th Nov and returns 30th Nov 08. Hosted by Victor Ubogu  £2500  £2750-3500  
SA6 Orient Express SpecialOrient Express Special - Day return trip for two people from London Victoria to Cardiff on Saturday 14th February 2009 to see Grand Slam Champions Wales v England. Includes champagne, two course lunch with wine served on outward journey. Match ticket and four course dinner with wine served on the return journey. Hosted by Victor Ubogu.    £1300    £1500-2000  
SA7 Croke Park Thriller 28 February 2009Weekend for two in Dublin staying at the stylish Morrison hotel in Temple Bar. Includes two nights accommodation, match transfers, match day hospitality and category one tickets. Hosted by Victor Ubogu.   £2200  £2500-3000  
SA8 Lions Tour 2009Trip for two to experience the VU unique and exciting Extravagance Tour 2009. This includes return economy flights, transfers, four nights accommodation in Cape Town at the 5* Westin Grand Arabella Quays and match tickets. The tour departs on Sun 16th June and returns on the 21st June 2009. Hosted by Victor Ubogu, Mark Regan and Craig Chalmers.  £4500   £4700-5000  
SA 9 Lee Mears Testimonial Golf DayJoin members of the England Rugby squad and other Bath Rugby for a superb day of golf on the 23rd April 2009 at Stoke Park. Each Fourball is made up of 3 guests plus a rugby international in a shotgun start and finishing with dinner, fundraising and entertainment.   £1800  £2000-3000  
SA10 VU Ascot Box on Family Day, The BGC Christmas meeting 20th December 2008Including full hospitality for ten guests. Hospitality includes; tea/coffee, three-course lunch, complimentary bar throughout the day.  £1175  £2000  
SA11 2008 Autumn Tests at TwickenhamTwo tickets plus hospitality at the VU Clubhouse for the Autumn tests at Twickenham for England v Australia on 15th November, England v South Africa on 22nd November and England v New Zealand on 29th November. This also includes a photo taken with Lee Mears and another England player post match.  £2,250  £2,500-£3,000  
SA12 2009 Nations at TwickenhamTwo tickets plus hospitality at the VU Clubhouse for the Six Nations games England v France on 15th March 2009 and England v Scotland on 21st March 2009  £1,500  £2,000 - £2,500  
SA13 Brit Awards 20092 VIP tickets to The BRIT awards 2009. The BRITS is held as one of the most prestigious music award ceremonies of the year. You have the chance to attend the award ceremony, witness top class acts live on stage and party long into the night at the official Brit Awards after party.  £2000  £2250-£3000  
SA14 Top Gear LiveThe show will feature Jeremy and the Top Gear crew creating a real life motoring experience, incorporating the drama of film and theatre with the thrills and spills of stunts and special effects. Your day begins in the beautifully styled VIP enclosure, overlooking the gallery of supercars which provides the perfect backdrop to enjoy a glass of champagne and the three course menu. After which, you and your guest will be escorted to Top Gear Live , where from the luxury of your own private box you will be perfectly placed to see the action and thrills. But it does not end here. After a backstage visit where you will see all the behind the scenes activity you and your guests will be escorted back to your VIP area where you can enjoy a post show drink or explore the Prestige and performance Motor show .   £1000   £1250-1500  
SA15 Bath Box – Sunday 7th DecemberEnjoy Bath Rugby’s Heineken Cup clash against Glasgow Warriors on Sunday 7th December from the privacy of your own box. The package includes:Box for up to 20 guests with balcony viewing, A hot and cold luxury fork buffet, Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks, Afternoon tea and sandwiches, Complimentary match programmes   £1763    

 

 

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VICTORY AT LAST!

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Let the boat race begin!

Let the boat race begin!

24 Jun 2008, 7:38 AM by Victor Ubogu

It's taken me 5 years to get there but it was well worth the wait for my maiden victory at the annual VU Sailing Regatta.

Four Farr 65s, with captains Mark Regan (Vantage Insurance Services), Eric Peters (Times New Media),  Dan Ward Smith (Gaymer Cider) and myself (Price Waterhouse Coopers) competed for the VU Sailing Trophy. Of course, there was a proper skipper onboard the yachts to show us the ropes.

My team, Pricewaterhouse Coopers, won the first race by a mile with Mark Regan's Vantage Insurance coming second. I thought I was doing Gaymer Cider a favour by giving them Dan Ward Smith. Dan, out with various injuries over the past 18 months, has obvioulsy been doing over time in the gym. He reminded me of what I looked like in my playing days - well toned with a 6 pack! He broke the grinder within a few minutes of the opening race! A warning to opposing teams this season, watch out when he breaks out from the base of the scrum.

In the second race, positions were reversed with Mark Regan's Vantage Insurance coming first and my yacht coming second. We decamped to Bar Ha Ha for prize giving. The overal winner was settled by a four man boat race. Luckily we had some serious gusslers on my team and we easily downed the cold bottles of bud well ahead of Mark's team.

 

 

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IT'S BEEN A HECTIC FEW WEEKS

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Launching Lee's Testimonial with Matt Stevens and Mark Regan

Launching Lee's Testimonial with Matt Stevens and Mark Regan

05 May 2008, 10:22 PM by Victor Ubogu

It's been a hectic period since my last entry. Following the England's downfall at Murrayfield, my team and I were in Cannes the following Tuesday and hosted our annual rugby lunch during MIPIM- the massive property industry conference.

The usual suspects were in attendance at The Big Lunch, as it's now known - Jason Leonard, Jeremy Guscott, Scott Gibbs, Steve Ojomoh, Scott Hastings, Paul Wallace, Damian Cronin, Eric Peters, Craig Chalmers and Ade Adebayo. We enjoyed a superb 6 course lunch at the 2star michelin L'Oasis Restaurant.

During the Q&A, suberbly hosted by Scott Hastings, a question was posed to Ade : " What would your advise have been to Danny Cipriani when finding himself in the uncompromising situation with a tranny?" "Swallow" Ade responded! Guests cracked up - typical of Ade to respond in a such a warped mannner.

Next stop was Twickenham where we witnessed a star performance by Danny - the young man has certainly arrived.

Hong Kong Sevens swiftly followed - my memory is obliterated by copius amounts of vodka redbull - besides all stories remain on tour! If you have never been to the sevens, it's an absolute must and one that once experienced you'll find it difficult not to keep going back.

A few days home then on to Vegas for the Calzaghe v Hopkins Fight. Thought I could play blackjack - I was proved wrong when with 10 minutes to kill waiting for some guests I decided to have a little flutter - goodbye $500! Ouch!

Welsh contingent respected the American anthem and Calzaghe went on to record a points victory - looking forward already to his next fight, hopefully at Madison Square Gardens in New York; having done the last two Hatton Fights in Vegas as well, I could do with a change and so can my losing streak at the tables.

The VU Fight Night at the Cafe Royal in London followed 24 hours after returning from Vegas. We launched the testimonial year of Bath & England hooker. Lee Mears. A whole host pof players were in attendance to support Lee including world cup 2007 winner Butch James, Mark Regan, Matt Stevens, Shaun Perry, Matt Perry plus many more. In the interview with Mark Regan where he praised Lee for his achievements, he also mentioned a wry smile that he very much looking forward to watching him "hanging out of his arse in New Zealand" during the forthcoming tour by England.

We are running some of Lee's events so do get in touch if you are keen to support him.

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Displaying entries 1-5 of 46.

 
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