On Friday, 2nd September 2011, at Prestonfield House, Edinburgh, Scotland, where Russell lent his support to The Prince’s Trust, Scotland.
The event was hosted by ladies known as “The Old Bags“.
Thanks to dedicated Russeller, Rosie, we’ve now got links to several sources of pictures from the event…
some on this Facebook page of Russell and Christopher Biggins…
another Facebook album with Russell and Christopher being ‘chased’…
one in this Facebook album of Russell with the ladies of the Committee,
and a nice one of Russell and Michelle Mone OBE together.
There’s a brief newspaper report in The Scotsman newspaper.
Here’s what Gavin Docherty had to report on the event in the Scottish Daily Express the following day…
Television star Christopher Biggins joked with 500 Scottish businesswomen at a charity lunch and declared, “I’m changing my name to Baggins!”
The popular ‘I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here’ winner couldn’t resist sending himself up at the annual gathering known as Lunch With An Old Bag.
A guest of honour at the event, held in aid of The Prince’s Trust Scotland and sponsored by The Scottish Daily Express and OK! Magazine, Christopher teamed up with the ‘People’s Tenor’, Russell Watson, who sang his favourite songs.
Both were among a small handful of men at the prestigious occasion at Prestonfield House, Edinburgh, where handbags and other must-have items were auctioned to raise cash.
Clearly delighted to be performing for an audience of adoring women, Russell, 44, said, “I can’t recall the last time I mingled with so many beautiful women in the same room. This is every man’s dream job. It’s also a great charity. It’s all about helping young people, encouraging kids who haven’t had great opportunities in life to show what they can do.”
The day raised £193,000 – topping last year’s event which netted just under £130,000.
When not trading jokes with Russell, mischievous Christopher, 62, was on his usual extrovert form, swapping gossip with guests including actress Lorraine Chase and lingerie tycoon Michelle Mone.
He commented, “I often have lunch with old bags and it’s perfect. I find the older the bag the better, to be honest.”
Taking a break from parenting duties, former STV weather presenter Jean Johansson announced that she had left footballer husband Jonatan looking after Jon Jr. She said, “Jonatan is so hands on with our son. He has changed our lives.”
Still remembered for her Campari commercials in the mid-1970s, and her catchphrase, ‘Nah, Luton Airport!’, Lorraine Chase has just finished her second year at the Edinburgh Fringe. She said, “I have hit 60 and can honestly say I have no regrets.”
Scottish PR guru Tessa Hartman said, “The women here today have once again shown their support. And for alleged old bags they are all rather stunning.”
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The Scottish Daily Express isn’t available online but it is possible to purchase back issues. (Saturday’s will set you back £8.99!)
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There was also a brief report under the title “Bags Of Fun” with pictures on page 141 of OK! magazine Issue 794 (week ending Sept 20th) but the small picture of Russell lounging with his hand his covering much of his face is scarcely worth the print, though the pictures of Christopher Biggins, Lorraine Chase and several of the ladies do them more justice.
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