Raising funds for charity during lockdown is no mean feat. That didn’t deter Soroptimist International of Harrogate and District’s President Sandra Frier. Looking for different ways to raise funds for her chosen charity Just ‘B’ Sandra approached regular Flog It and Bargain Hunt expert Caroline Hawley. Would Caroline be interested to give a Zoom presentation about her life as an auctioneer and TV regular? We were very happy when she said yes. So, on Friday 14 May Caroline delighted us with her presentation that was both humorous and demonstrated her passion and knowledge. She also valued objects submitted by our guests and took questions. A brilliant night with more than £500 raised for Just ‘B’. Just ‘B’ is part of North Yorkshire Hospice Care working closely with Saint Michaels and Heriot Home Care. It provides bereavement services locally and nationally,
So what did we learn?
Caroline started her interest in objects and antiques at young age. Her passion exudes into her presentation titled, ‘The Auction Market Today and Tales from Television”. Brown antique furniture, once so sort after, has plummeted in value. But don’t chuck your Ercol on the skip. That has shot up in value. Designer handbags go for a fair old price, as do watches. And, if two people really want something the price can sky rocket. A pair of Chinese Dragon Dishes sold for £146K. Setting the House Record. Caroline found a real bargain and bought a beautiful Dior dress for £4 but it kept her up all night – Once on she couldn’t get out of it by herself!
Valuations
Guests emailed objects they wanted to know more about. This included a Victoria Pharmacy chest of draws, Autographs of the original members of the Rolling Stones from 1964, Plates, Clocks, Furniture, jewellery and a book of monologues from the 1930s performed by Stanley Holloway including the Lion and Albert.
Flog It and Bargain Hunt
It’s obvious that Caroline loves working on Flog It and Bargain Hunt. She spoke very positively about the teams and how much fun she has in the making of the programmes – especially about being able to rummage in people bags to see what they have brought. In one instance, on Flog It, she enthused so much about an embroidery sampler that the person who brought it decided not to sell it after all.
So a big thank you to Caroline Hawley for providing us with an Excellent Evening’s Entertainment and for helping us raise so much money for Just ‘B’.
Just ‘B’ offers emotional wellbeing and bereavement support to children, young people and adults across North Yorkshire, as well as supporting NHS, care sector and emergency service workers nationally through a dedicated helpline in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Just ‘B’ is one of a range of services offered by North Yorkshire Hospice Care, the registered charity helping local people to live with terminal illness and bereavement. You can help support Just ‘B’ here