Louisa Skipper's Diary

Let the Bubbly and the memories flow

Moët et Chandon celebrated its 40th anniversary partnership with Sir Jackie Stewart at its London head office on May 28.

Guests – who included Sir David Frost, Nick Mason, Damon Hill, Sir Stirling and Lady Susie Moss, Paddy Hopkirk and Lord March – were treated to a special vintage Moët on the terrace overlooking Belgravia.

Comte Frédéric Chandon de Briailles from the Chandon champagne family hosted the party; his reminiscences on his friendship with Sir Jackie, from the days when they competed in French rallies through Epernay together, brought lots of laughter to the house.

Drivers parade…

Martini sponsored the Amber Fashion show, which had Formula 1 drivers swapping their fireproof suits to model Petra Ecclestone’s winter fashion collection on the catwalk in Monaco.

In order to raise money for Elton John’s Aids Foundation, championship leader Jenson Button, Red Bull duo Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber, and the BBC’s David Coulthard donned various outfits in front of a crowd that included Bernie himself, Prince Albert of Monaco, Sir Richard Branson and Olympic legend Michael Johnson. Lewis Hamilton got the biggest applause when he did a twirl for his guests! The charity auction raised more than £303,000.

Warm-up laps

The Circuit’, an ING-sponsored day of racing between paying customers and professionals, is to be held on September 17 in aid of the NSPCC.

As a launch for the event a ‘Scalextric battle’ organised by Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason and ex-F1 driver Mark Blundell was held at ING’s London head office, attended by Perry McCarthy – the original Stig – and Michael Lucas from ING.

I tried to measure up to Mark, but only managed to launch my car off-track for lap after lap. Team captains for the September event include Mason, model and racer Jodie Kidd, Blundell and Damon Hill. To book tickets call 020 7825 1304. Proceeds will go to the NSPCC’s Child’s Voice Appeal.