ON Saturday, the village hall in Rookhope was packed with well over 50 people for the second charity auction this year in aid of Rookhope in Bloom.
At the first auction held earlier in the year, the auctioneer was the unforgettable Brian ‘Shorty’ Thompson who had presided over these auctions for the last few years. And the spirit of ‘Shorty’ was evident on Saturday when the sale was held. All the usual familiar faces were there, the hardworking members of the charity, Sheila and Julie behind the counter in the kitchen, Susan selling raffle tickets and Neil and Mark assisting the replacement auctioneer, Iain Smith from the village. Mary, Jane and Georgina who did all the paperwork, recording bids and following the auction both on paper and technically via computer.
It may look easy and that everything works like clockwork but there is a lot of physical work done before, during and after the event – and all voluntarily. The Dale survives because of people who give their time and effort for free and the Rookhope in Bloom group certainly do that!
Georgina and Mary
Iain gave an opening talk to those present, eagerly awaiting the start of the event, which included 125 lots of exhibits all donated by local people. He said that his aim was to increase the takings from the last auction, which raised around £1000. And so, the auction got underway and although Iain was a novice auctioneer, he worked from the floor of the hall, cajoling the prospective buyers into bidding.
Although the humour was different to Shorty’s, it raised much laughter among the buying audience and the cash began to roll in with folk bidding for everything from tools to a toilet seat.
The interval saw those in attendance enjoying broth and bread along with home-made cakes and hot drinks before Iain caught his breath and the second half began with lots being knocked down at the rate of around one a minute – garden furniture, toys and games, kitchenalia, crafting tools and supplies and everything else bar the kitchen sink! Local folk had been very generous and by the end of the sale, Iain made a speech.
He paid tribute to all of the volunteers who have worked hard to fill the village with floral decoration for the last 20 years. “To see the wonderful work of those volunteers, members of Rookhope In Bloom’ is a joy and it isn’t only the villagers who benefit. Those who pass through here, especially in Summer – the walkers, cyclists and even drivers all love it.”
He thanked everyone who had donated items to be sold and mentioned Shorty too. “I know he will be up there watching and giving feedback,” he said.
After the raffle was drawn, Iain gave the approximate total raised, which was around £1400. His wish at the beginning had come true thanks to the generosity of the bidders, all of whom agreed what a wonderful event it had been.
Roll on next year.
