MORE than 200 people were shaken, not stirred at the charity preview of the new James Bond film Quantum of Solace at the Hollywood Cinema, Great Yarmouth last week - with the evening raising £2,125 for the Palliative Care East Appeal.

MORE than 200 people were shaken, not stirred at the charity preview of the new James Bond film Quantum of Solace at the Hollywood Cinema, Great Yarmouth last week - with the evening raising £2,125 for the Palliative Care East Appeal.

A rare red Aston Martin DB9 owned by appeal supporter Tim Barratt was parked outside the entrance to the cinema to set the scene for the evening. Inside security guards were on hand to check every member of the audience and, where necessary, take mobiles away for the duration of the screening.

The film company, Sony, was concerned about possible piracy ahead of the film's opening in the USA in a weeks' time. It's reported that bootleg DVD versions have already been seized in the Far East.

A special message from former James Bond, Roger Moore, was played out just before the film was shown. The veteran actor had agreed to provide it during an interview he did for BBC Radio Norfolk when he was promoting his autobiography My Word is My Bond.

Radio Norfolk's Tony Mallion, a patron of the appeal and organiser of the preview event, said he was delighted with the way the evening went.

“Everyone had a great time. So many people were keen to dress up in posh frocks and dinner jackets and make it a real occasion. One family even had a Bond themed meal at home before coming to the cinema.”

A number of top prizes helped to raise around £600 in a raffle.

“This was a tremendous amount which helped towards the costs of the security guards, which we were asked to provide by the film company,” explained Tony.

But the biggest surprise of the night was the fierce bidding for the big stand up advertisement for the film which stood in the Hollywood foyer.

Tony added: “It was about seven feet tall and seven feet wide and I wasn't sure whether anyone would want to take this home, which just goes to show how little faith I had.”

Auctioneer Mark Duffield from Aldreds in Yarmouth quickly got the bidding going and it fetched over £100 by the time he brought his gavel down.

To complete the evening the audience was invited to go to the Grosvenor Casino where a buffet was provided. Free tokens were given for £5-worth of gambling chips. One person struck lucky, winning £25 which they donated to the appeal.

Jenny Westgate, the appeal co-ordinator said: “Thanks also to sponsors who donated raffle prizes, Hollywood Cinema, Potters Leisure Resort, Kelling Heath and the Hippodrome Circus.

“Christmas cards to help raise funds for the appeal can be purchased from the hospital and also the Mia Lucy Rose Trust shop in High Street, Gorleston.

Dates for your diary:

November 12, Flower Demonstration by Julia Knights at the Imperial Hotel, Great Yarmouth. Pastries and refreshments in conjunction with Great Yarmouth Lions. Tickets available from Fundraising office 01493 453348.

November 21, Charity Coffee Morning in aid of Palliative Care East and Marie Curie at the Old Granary Studio, Maypole Green, Toft Monks, Beccles. Plant stall, live music, Delicious cakes, raffle, auction, refreshments. Free entry.