Canal Trust charity auction

FOLLOWING a recent announcement of progressing plans for a canal in Melksham, Wiltshire  and Berkshire Canal Trust will be holding a charity auction at Chippenham’s Angel Hotel, to raise money towards the project.

The auction, to be held on Thursday 26th March, will have a range of items and experiences for sale, donated by local businesses, attractions, and individuals.

Two of the many star lots at the auction are a tour of the Royal Highgrove Garden – home of Prince Charles –  with champagne tea;  and a personal tour of the Royal Navy Historic Flight collection in Yeovilton. The collection contains a Swordfish, Sea Fury, Sea Hawk and Chipmunk aircraft in a designated  private hangar at the Royal Naval Air Station.

Malcolm Hitchinson from Westbury, who obtained the donation said, “We are delighted that the Royal Navy Historic Flight has donated this special experience. We also have another two lots for flying enthusiasts: two adult tickets for the spectacular Yeolvilton Air Day in July, and a family ticket for the RNAS museum, so aviation fans will have plenty to bid for.”

Entry to the auction will be free, and the event will be hosted by entertaining auctioneer Gordon Brockman of Chippenham Auction Rooms.

Jeff Daws, auction organiser said, “We are hoping to have up to 80 lots, including family canoeing sessions, tickets for the SS Great Britain, a half-day charter for up to 12 people on the Trust’s narrowboat Dragonfly, a trip on a Bristol Packet Boat, an electric boat trip with afternoon tea, and a special ‘Behind the Scenes’ experience at Chippenham Museum & Heritage Centre.

“As well as experiences, we also have many other items including original watercolours from local artists, a tonne of logs, jewellery, a bouquet of flowers, hampers, wine, an unopen-ed Arnova tablet, painted canalware, and musical instruments, including a valuable alto saxophone, Amati Kraslice AA522.

“We hope people will find plenty of items to interest them – we do have a fantastic variety for Gordon to auction. We would like to invite everyone to come along to The Angel on March 26th, enjoy the fun of an auction, and get hold of some bargains in the process.”

The auction will be held at 7pm at The Angel Hotel  in Chippenham on Thursday 26th March. All profits will go towards the restoration of the Wiltsh & Berks Canal.

The list of lots for sale can be found at www.melkshamwaterway.org.uk.Bids can be taken in advance for those unable to attend, by calling 01373 859207 or emailing auction@wbct.org.uk. To find out more about the trust’s work go to www.wbct.org.uk.