TV and film star Brian Blessed’s Elephantastic auction

After many months of hard work and preparation, and two months of fun-filled safari trails in and around Horsham, the beautiful herd of Elephantastic’s community created creatures were the stars of the show at the event’s grand finale - ‘Elephantastic the Auction’.

The creatively inspired community event brought together businesses and individuals raising awareness and vital funds for numerous charities including locally based The Born Free Foundation.

Twenty elephants were auctioned off during the afternoon at St John’s Church Hall in Horsham by Brian Blessed (who earlier signed copies of his latest book in Waterstones in Horsham), alongside Jonathan Pratt of TV’s Bargain Hunt and expert at Bellman Auctioneers of Wisborough Green. Virginia McKenna OBE, star of the movie Born Free.

The remaining elephants were sold in a silent auction.

The record bid of the day was made by The Belfry Shopping Centre in Redhill, who won PMW Communications’ Ann-cestor mammoth for £2,500.

Ann-cestor, who has been signed by Brian Blessed and Virginia McKenna OBE, will take pride of place at The Belfry Centre’s ‘Mammoth Sale’ celebrations in January.

Ann-cestor will then be donated by The Belfry Shopping Centre to her permanent home at Chestnut Tree House and the Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity.

John Le Rossignol from The Rotary Club of Horsham commented: “The Elephantastic campaign has been phenomenal from start to finish. We are overwhelmed by the amazing response and fabulous support we have received from the local community.

“From the many local businesses who have contributed to create a stunning display of elephants to the children who have taken part in the safari trails in Horsham and the success of Saturday’s auction, the community should be immensely proud of everything they have achieved. I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who got involved and helped make Elephantastic such an amazing and worthwhile event.”

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