Farmers’ Charity Auction

Lots and Lots Unveiled!

What do a Shetland Pony, a Billy Goat, a British Belgian Blue Calf, a tonne of cattle blocks, a round of golf, a day’s salmon fishing, and two tickets to the Calcutta Cup all have in common?  They are just some of the hundreds of donated lots and promises for the 2014 Farmers’ Charity Auction being held at Carlisle Borderway on Friday 24^th January.

To be held on the eve of Burns Night this is intended to be both a serious fund raising and fun event. Not only will there be hundreds of interesting lots to bid for, there will also be exciting entertainments to enjoy as Borderway enters into the Burns spirit. The auctioneers from the five auction marts will both dressing and addressing their own haggis, which will of course bring with it a ‘friendly’ competitive edge! The competition is being judged by two TV stars, passionate countryside campaigner Sir Johnny Scott and champion of real food in Cumbria, Annette Gibbons.

This Farmers Charity Auction set up more than 30 years ago, is a unique farmer’s Charity Event. It will bring together five rival auction houses in the North and West of Cumbria, along with the NFU. And they all have one single aim – to raise as much money as possible for their local charities.

With the donations coming in thick and fast, and in the region of 400 prospective bidders expected to attend, it is hoped that the Auction will raise in excess of the £30,000 that was raised 5 years ago.

With its truly Scottish Theme, Bagpiper and plenty of Haggis, the day starts at 10.30am with the livestock auction, swiftly followed at 12 noon with entertainment and the Auction of Promises.

The money raised will be donated to Hospice at Home, Life Education Centres, The Farming Community Network, Headway – the brain injury association and The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution.

Commenting in advance of the Auction, John Wharton, one of the auctioneers attending from Penrith and District Farmers Mart, said: “The importance of the event is clear for all to see, to have the five auction firms working in tandem with the NFU and farmers and to raise money for such important causes is tremendous.  It is thanks to all the generous people who have donated so far and for the people who will attend on the day that we are able to put on such an event.”

“The aim of the auction is to raise money for important charities and rural cases, which is now all the more important due to the horrendous weather the UK, and notably Cumbria, has been experiencing.”

His comments were reiterated by Ian Mandle, Senior Agent for the NFU, one of the main line sponsors.  “There is a real need for charities to be supported due to the current economic climate. The work each of our chosen charities do is vital. Through this auction and we are trying to encourage individuals to give, and to put something back into local organisations who have supported the agricultural industry. These charities really do need continual ongoing support and I am delighted to say that there is still the opportunity and plenty of time to donate items, and of course to come and buy.”

Some other key highlights from the auction are sure to be a day out with a group of vets, a Jersey Heifer Calf and the promise of a farmhouse supper for eight guests.  One of the more unusual, and sobering, offering donated by firm of solicitors, is the writing of 2 wills for a couple.

Businesses supporting this evening include the NFU, Harrison & Hetherington Ltd, The Cumberland and Dumfriesshire Farmers Mart, Longtown, Penrith and District Farmers Mart, Hopes of Wigton and Mitchells at Cockermouth.

The deadline for giving goods or promises to the 2014 auction is Monday 20^th January, and donors will need to contact [email protected] or call 01228 523034. Alternatively, contact your local auction company. For regular updates on news about the event, follow us on Twitter @farmers_auction and search for Farmers Charity Auction on Facebook.

For more information please contact: Nick Utting, 07703354466, Ian Mandle 01228 523034, or Heather Pritchard 01228 406230

ENDS