School auction raises £7,000

Answer: To the High Hurstwood School Auction of Promises, where there was something for everyone. The highly successful event at the village hall on Saturday not only provided an entertaining evening for more than ninety people, but also raised 7,146 for the High Hurstwood School Development Fund.

This will go towards the school's target of 120,000 for the long overdue demolition of temporary buildings and the construction of four new classrooms and a new library and kitchen.

Kathy Cooper, wife of the chairman of the governors, computer wizard Meg Timms and Vicki Woosey were the driving forces behind the venture. They were supported by a team parents, ex-school parents, staff, ex-staff and ex-pupils.

The catalogue listed 65 items to be auctioned, all of which had been generously offered by people who wanted to contribute to the project.

Four could-be-professional auctioneers, Michael Cooper, Les Newell (husband of the head teacher, Christine Newell) Mike Timms and Peter Radford kept the auction going with a swing, endeavouring also (not always successfully) to keep the bidders and their friends under control. They were ably assisted by Tony Wright, who has obviously missed his vocation as a porter at Christies, demonstrating the various lots with suitable headgear for every item. Treasurers, responsible for sorting out the complicated finances, were Viv Chapman and Peter Gribble.

Halfway through the evening a ploughman's supper, prepared by Vicky Woosey and helpers, was served and, from the start, liquid refreshments, to lubricate competitive bidding, were available from the bar, run by ex-pupils Maria Greenwood, Donna West and Janet Whitehead. Washing-up courtesy of Elaine Goodey and Mariska Hillman.

Altogether it was a memorable occasion. The donors are now preparing to redeem their promises, while the successful bidders are looking forward to enjoying everything from a tour of the Houses of Parliament to a side of smoked salmon or just to sitting back while someone else does their gardening, ironing, decorating or cooking.

Priscila Copeland