THE annual auction held in Rookhope Village Hall in aid of Rookhope in Bloom was a roaring success.
Organised by the hardy group of volunteers who keep Rookhope outstandingly beautiful with floral decorations, the auction had over 160 lots, all sold by the legendary Brian ‘Shorty’ Thompson.
It was a laugh a minute with Brian’s one-liners entertaining the crowded hall with him cajoling bidders into parting with their money. Aided by Mark and Neil who paraded the lots, there was everything from a petrol chainsaw to the inevitable cuddly toys, furniture, handbags, gardening tools, including a vintage scythe and no-one left disappointed.
After the first half, the auction paused for those in attendance to enjoy the home-made soup, cup cakes et al as well as have a chat to those sitting nearby. Then it was into the second half, again with Shorty presiding and not a single person left the event until the very last lot. Then there was some hilarity with folk trying to fill cars and figure out how to get that which they had bought on a whim back home. Never fear, our Weardale hero, Kevin Roddam was on hand with his van!
It was a thoroughly enjoyable event, which raised around £1300 for the cause. Roll on October when another charity auction for the same cause is already being planned – so do not dump that ‘rubbish’ you think you have!
