Joanna Lumley 'Ab Fab' as UJIA Women's Speaker

This year's exclusive UJIA Women's Event was truly an 'absolutely fabulous' event as very special guest speaker, Joanna Lumley OBE, entertained the 370 strong audience with personal anecdotes, witty advice and a round of questions from the floor.

"This is easily the most glamorous brunch I have attended, and I have attended many glamorous events!" mused Joanna as she took to the stage.

UJIA was extremely excited to be the first charity to host an event in the Westfield shopping centre. As Britain's third largest retail complex it is an innovative and dynamic venue.

Joanna Lumley's glittering career spans stage, television and film, with her big break as a Bond girl in 1969. She has been a regular on our screens ever since and proved her acting credentials in roles such as Purdey in the New Avengers and films roles in The Pink Panther and Shirley Valentine.

However, it was Joanna's role as the eternally-inebriated, fashion-obsessed Patsy in the award-winning Absolutely Fabulous which brought her renewed fame, with the series going on to prove itself one of the classic British sitcoms.

Joanna received an OBE in 1995 for her contribution to the entertainment industry and her active charitable work. Her promotion of education, in particular environmental matters and her tireless campaign for the rights of Ghurkhas, have bought much-needed attention to these causes.

Speaking of UJIA, Joanna Lumley said, "I think what has impressed me most about UJIA is the dedication to young people and the importance placed on innovative education from an early age. UJIA is providing thousands of young people the chance of a better future and ensuring positive and enriching experiences during their formative years. It is also nice to be involved with a charity that engages with its donors so closely as I firmly believe that charity is about more than simply writing a cheque."

UJIA's Women's Committee is Chaired by Karen Harris. All funds raised at the Women's Event will ensure UJIA is able to fund their vital programmes which invest in young people and education both in the Galil, northern Israel and our UK Jewish community.

You can see photos from the event in our photo gallery. Please click here.