With forty-four Brethren and their partners in attendance, they first enjoyed a superb supper provided by the hotel, this was then followed by an auction of thirty-five excellent items all of which had been donated by the very generous Brethren of the Devonshire Freemasons, all of which went under the hammer of the very experienced Anthony Eldred, a professional auctioneer and a Freemason. This went on to raise an amazing £5,625 pounds, which, when added to by four very generous donations by kind individuals, brought the night’s total to a staggering £6,000. This will be added to the Devonshire Province’s Festival 2023 total.
Deputy Provincial Grand Master Nick Ball (who was seen to be actively bidding) was joined by several other members of the Executive and Devonshire’s Grand Charity Steward Reuben Ayres.
Items including an Aircraft Flight for two, several bottles of Rare Scotch Whisky, a Masonic Case and Regalia, two Prints by the celebrated local artist Robert Lenkiwwicz, (Deceased), first “Ester Seated” and then “Belle with the artist", a Clay Pigeon Shooting experience day, a Three Piece Masonic Suit (altered to fit the purchaser), two Signed and framed Plymouth Argyle Football Shirts, a 2004 Tag Heuer Professional Sports Watch, a Bottle of 1963 and another of 1965 Vintage Grahams Port, a Highgrove Hamper (now of course having an association with our new King Charles the Third), a two night Cornish B&B stay at one of the most beautiful spots on the North Cornish Coast. For the ladies, there was a Rovina Ladies Wristwatch with a Diamond Set Bezel which came in its box and included its precious stone certificate and of course the obligatory Giant Teddy all of which went under the hammer with bidders joining in online as well.
Modesty forbids us to reveal who won what, but the Ladies seemed happy with the night!
The Auction Committee, John Pritchard, Paul Adnams,Anthony Eldred and Keith Williams, extend our grateful thanks to everyone who attended, enthusiastically bidding in the room and to those online.
A special Thank You to Everyone who Generously Donated the Fantastic Lots, we could not have held this Auction without your support.
Keith Williams
Festival Events Co-ordinator for the Province of Devonshire
