On Friday 27th January 2012 a special evening was planned with CRY patron, Bill Neely, to raise money for CRY and Little Missenden Infant School. A late call away to the Falklands for work for Bill, meant the evening had to be saved by a colleague James Mates who stepped in and helped raise a wonderful £1,020.79 for CRY.

To most people, the prospect of spending ‘An Evening with Bill Neely’… without Bill Neely wouldn’t sound too enticing. You certainly wouldn’t pay for the privilege.

That was the dilemma facing organisers of a charity evening in Little Missenden last Friday when, after many months of planning, the ITV News International Editor was diverted to the Falklands at the last minute. However, rather than see the whole event called off and all the ticket money returned, his colleague, James Mates, stepped into the breach.

In almost 30 years with ITN, the ITV News presenter and Europe Editor has covered wars, famines and disaster the world over.

He showed a sell-out audience some of his reports on stories ranging from the 9/11 attacks to the impact of climate change on Mount Everest – before the audience was invited to ask how they were put together. His finale was to share secrets of the ITV coverage of last year’s royal wedding. Mr Mates said that when he gave the live commentary on the marriage ceremony itself he was “the most nervous I’ve ever been in my life.”
One resident of Little Missenden, Mary Anne Stewart, said “the audience were on the edge of their seats as James relived some significant moments in his life and career – which he related with incredible frankness. We are lucky indeed to have someone of his great integrity who is so devoted to his job.”

And she wasn’t the only one who enjoyed the evening. Amazed by how interested the audience were, Mr Mates said “It was even more fun than I had thought it would be.”

A mother at Little Missenden School and one of the event’s organisers, Jo Garrett, said “It was such a wonderful evening. We sold out two weeks beforehand and it’s been great hearing how much people enjoyed it. The best bit though is that both Little Missenden School and the heart charity, Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), will get cheques for more than £1,000.”

Head teacher at Little Missenden School, Julianna Hall, said “We were very grateful for James in stepping in at late notice and the school is very thankful for the money raised from the evening”.

Ben Scotchbrook