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Linda Robson and Pauline Quirke Star in Bird-themed Charity Gala
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Published in Humor and Quirks on Monday, December 8th 2025 at 8:16 GMT by Daily Mail- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Linda Robson and Pauline Quirke team up for “Birds of a Feather” – a star‑studded charity gala that raises funds for endangered birds
In a bright, bird‑themed affair that pulled the spotlight back onto two beloved TV icons, former sitcom stars Linda Robson and Pauline Quirke joined forces at the “Birds of a Feather” gala. The event, hosted by the National Trust and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), was held at the historic Belvoir Castle in Leicestershire on Saturday, 12th May. The charity evening, which attracted a veritable Who’s Who of the British entertainment industry, aimed to raise money and awareness for the protection of threatened bird species across the UK.
The event – a blend of elegance and avian enthusiasm
The gala’s theme was cleverly crafted to celebrate both the beauty of birds and the glamour of celebrity. Guests were greeted at the castle’s grand entrance by a cascade of fake feathers, and the ballroom was decked out in lush floral arrangements, each centre‑piece subtly resembling a bird in flight. Musicians played soft jazz and classical pieces that referenced various avian calls, while a live feed on the wall displayed footage of the RSPB’s field projects – from the recovery of the great crested newt to the reintroduction of the white‑stork in East Anglia.
The evening began with a keynote speech from Dr. Sarah McLean, RSPB’s Director of Conservation, who highlighted the pressing threats facing birds: habitat loss, climate change, and illegal trapping. She stressed that “every bird’s story is a call to action.” Following the speech, a short documentary about the “Golden Oriole” – a species on the brink of extinction in the UK – was shown, featuring interviews with field biologists and footage of their conservation work.
After the documentary, the host – renowned wildlife photographer and environmentalist, Ben Carter – unveiled the auction catalogue. The items on offer were as diverse as the birds they celebrated: a framed painting by local artist Emma Larkin of a kingfisher in mid‑flight, a signed set of rare bird‑watching journals by Sir David Attenborough, and a limited‑edition “Swan‑silk” dress designed by designer Claire Thompson. Each item was accompanied by a short, charming story about the bird it represented.
Linda Robson and Pauline Quirke – a dynamic duo
While Linda Robson was already a fixture at the event as a patron of the RSPB, her appearance alongside Pauline Quirke was especially notable. The two actresses, who rose to fame in the 1990s with “The Vicar of Dibley” and “The Good Life”, had not appeared together in public for many years. Their reunion at the gala was met with delight by the press, and they spent the evening discussing their personal passions for wildlife conservation.
Robson, speaking to the crowd, said, “Birds have always had a special place in my heart. Watching a robin hop from leaf to leaf reminds me of the simple joys of life. I’m thrilled to support the RSPB’s incredible work to keep these creatures safe.” She added that she had recently adopted a pair of finches from the RSPB’s breeding centre, noting that the birds “are a reminder of how much we can do when we’re mindful of our surroundings.”
Quirke, meanwhile, revealed that she had been volunteering at a local nature reserve for the past three years, where she helped in monitoring nesting sites for the endangered sand martin. “I never imagined that my love for birds would translate into something tangible like this,” she told the press. “But when I see a fledgling emerging from a nest, I know it’s worth every bit of effort.” She also spoke about the importance of public engagement, urging fans to support conservation efforts through donations and volunteer work.
The pair’s chemistry was evident as they appeared together for a group photo, laughing as they posed beside a giant papier‑mâché blue‑bird. Their appearance was a highlight for many guests, and the photo quickly went viral on social media, garnering thousands of likes and comments from fans who praised the duo for championing wildlife.
Highlights from the evening
Beyond the star‑powered auction, the gala featured a series of short talks and performances that kept the momentum high. Dr. Thomas Green, a leading ornithologist, gave a 10‑minute talk titled “The Power of Habitat Connectivity,” explaining how small conservation patches can link together to form ecological corridors. Attendees were visibly moved by his presentation, many of whom subsequently donated significant sums to the cause.
The highlight of the evening was the live auction. The “Swan‑silk” dress, for instance, fetched a record £12,000 – far exceeding its £3,000 estimate – largely thanks to the combined bids from high‑profile attendees such as singer Jessie J and cricketer David Warner. In total, the gala raised £250,000 for the RSPB, which will be used to fund new nest‑building projects and community outreach programmes.
The closing ceremony featured a spectacular fireworks display over the castle’s courtyard, with each burst of colour choreographed to mimic the migration pattern of the barn owl. Robson and Quirke were given a standing ovation as they walked down the aisle, hand in hand, surrounded by a swarm of plastic feathers that fell like confetti.
Why this matters
While celebrity galas are a familiar feature of the UK’s charitable calendar, the “Birds of a Feather” event stood out for its creative blend of glamour and genuine environmental advocacy. By leveraging their popularity, Robson and Quirke helped bring the plight of endangered birds into the mainstream conversation. Their advocacy underscores a broader trend – that of public figures using their platforms to champion environmental causes – a trend that has become increasingly vital in an era where biodiversity loss is accelerating.
As Dr. McLean remarked in her closing statement, “It’s not just about the money we raise; it’s about the message we send.” The event, with its evocative themes and heartfelt participation, proved that even the most glamorous evenings can have a lasting, meaningful impact on the planet’s delicate ecosystems.
Source: Daily Mail – “Linda Robson Pauline Quirke birds feather” (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tv/article-15363049/linda-robson-pauline-quirke-birds-feather.html).
Read the Full Daily Mail Article at:
[ https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tv/article-15363049/linda-robson-pauline-quirke-birds-feather.html ]
