PROMISES AUCTION AT THE PEOPLE’S HALL
Sandra Longlands dreamed up this event and clothed it with an extraordinary number of 99 promises gathered from far and near.
Doors and bar opened at 7pm and the auction began at 7.30pm prompt. A first for Sedbergh!
Before the auction could commence all those persons intending to bid were required to register and receive a bidding paddle from our team of Registrars: Sean Hobson, Kath Swift and Elspeth Griffiths.
Sandra introduced the evening and welcomed the auctioneers. We were lucky to acquire the services of two experienced and well known “men about town” guest auctioneers: David Ramsbottom and David Lord. Smartly dressed in illuminated waistcoats they took it in turns to harangue the small, but select, collection of bidders.
The Auctioneers explained the bidding rules and the evening’s arrangements and bidding commenced.
The lots included escorted shopping trips, paint balling and dinner, bed & breakfast for two. Less exotic lots included: £10 meal vouchers, carpet cleaning and baby sitting.
Gina Barney ran back and forth between the Auctioneers and the Cashiers (previously known as Registrars) with the completed bid sheets.
There was hardly a moment to draw breath, except for the thirsty bidders to either drown their sorrows or toast their success at the bar operated by Avril Hobson, Ron Gerrard and Gillian Rea
Steve Longlands and Andrew Allan were there to oversee the proceedings and to set up the sound and lights, etc.
Several “telephoned” bids were taken into account during the offers together with those made from the floor. In true auction fashion some lots failed to reach their reserve and were withdrawn.
The evening ended with Chairman Steve thanking all for their participation. The Auctioneers presented Sandra with a well earned bouquet of flowers and in return the Auctioneers received a bottle of wine (each) to aid their recovery from a very intense evening.
Previous to the event the value of the lots had been estimated at £2833. The total raised was £2,769.85, including bar takings. What a clever Treasurer we have!
Many thanks to the small select band of bidders who attended and to their generosity. A splendid effort by all on behalf of our Redevelopment Fund.
One sad note – we found out from HMRC (the tax man) that the income could not be Gift Aided – anyone know a way round this?
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