16 November, 2020
Alistair Cassels-Brown and Jasmine Bishop have a talent for scaring money out of people, raising almost $900 for Harbour Hospice with their haunted castle for Hallowe’en.
For the second year in a row, the Snells Beach couple converted their backyard into a maze of horrors and invited families to come along and freak themselves out in return for a donation to Hospice.
Alistair estimates about 500 people passed through the haunted hallways, which were constructed using plywood, temporary fencing and other materials donated by local businesses.
About 40 people were involved in delivering the ‘scares’, working in short shifts because, in Alistair’s words, “scaring people is really exhausting”. His favourite fright was a picture that dropped down to reveal a ghoulish figure in the frame – but there were several that drew screams from even the staunchest grown-ups.
Alistair says the haunted castle set-up is a lot of work but, as a natural-born prankster, he loves both the planning and the execution, and is keen to repeat the event. It’s a wacky contrast to their tasty seafood stall at the Matakana Market.
The couple chose to support Harbour Hospice because they’re regular visitors to the Warkworth Garage Sale and have come to appreciate the support Hospice gives to patients and families living with a life-limiting illness.
In turn, we hugely appreciate Alistair and Jasmine’s efforts and enthusiasm, and thank them for their horrible fundraising.
