SCOOP! Journalists' Tee-Up 'Golf Ball
6/08/2008
A real old-fashioned Fleet Street-style 'scoop' has been scored by the organisers of the annual London Press Club Ball - they're launching one of the hottest new cars in Britain.
The prestigious Ball in October will mark the first public appearance in the UK of the new and sixth generation Volkswagen Golf - a hot hatch so secret that at the time of writing even photographs of it have not been seen.
But the VW Golf will be the star charity auction prize at the star studded mingling of 450 of Britain's most influential journalists and PRs at the Natural History Museum on October 15, hosted by BBC presenter Jeremy Vine, to raise funds for the Journalists' Charity*.
Ball committee chairman Philippa Kennedy said:''It was a real coup to secure the next generation Volkswagen Golf as a prize. 'In the past we have had generous support from Audi, Peugeot and Honda providing cars as auction prizes. 'But this is the first time we will have unveiled a prize car before it has even been officially launched in Britain. 'The timing seemed perfect and, happily, Volkswagen agreed. So it's a great scoop for us and of course for whoever successfully bids for it. And those at the Ball will be among the first in the UK to see it up close.'
Such has been the secrecy surrounding the latest car that the organisers have had to use a veiled picture of the new Golf until the official photographs are released.
The Golf was secured after Daily Mail Transport Editor Ray Massey approached the UK arm of Volkswagen, whose managing director Robin Woolcock generously gave the green light after conferring with the company's headquarters in Germany.
Volkswagen's Mr Woolcock said:''The organisers spotted the possibility of getting a new generation Golf to London in time for The London Press Ball and I'm pleased that they did. It is an ambitious target and I'm delighted we have a green light. The Journalists' Charity is a very deserving cause.'
The charity auction is being conducted by Lord Dalmeny of Sothebys. The evening will also feature a 'night at the opera' with stunning diva Natasha Marsh.
Main sponsor is Barclays bank and the champagne reception is hosted by Camelot.
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