The last auction, held in January 2014, raised a staggering £42,000, which the organising committee is aiming to match or exceed this time around. Some of the items auctioned off included a Pedigree Holstein calf selling for £620, a British Blue heifer calf - £420, Dinner at a Caldbeck Home - £880, Calcutta Cup tickets - £400 and Tea at The House of Lords - £400.
The money raised from the 2019 auction will be split between four charities, which this year includes the Heart Centre Cumberland Infirmary, the Stroke Unit Carlisle, R.A.B.I., and Life Education Cumbria.
On announcing the details, Chairman, Nick Utting commented: “Once again, the enthusiasm from everyone for another charity auction is amazing. All of the auction companies and NFU offices in the area have pledged their support, and a number of lots have already been pledged.
“Although it seems a long way off, the day promises to be very busy and packed with fun as the committee have some ideas for additional entertainment which will be linked to a Scottish theme, as the event is being held on Burns’ Night!”
The Farmers’ Charity Auction is being supported by H&H Group, Borderway Mart, Carlisle; the Cumberland and Dumfriesshire Farmers Mart, Longtown; Penrith and District Farmers Mart; Hopes of Wigton; and Mitchell’s of Cockermouth, as well as the NFU.
On hearing that they are one of the nominated charities for 2019, Paul Davies, from the Stroke Unit Carlisle, said: “The Stroke teams in North Cumbria treat over 700 people with a new stroke every year and follow up over 1,000.
“To be one of the chosen charities that the Farmers’ Charity Auction will be fundraising for is truly fantastic. The money raised will be used to purchase specialist equipment to further enhance the recovery and rehabilitation of patients recovering from stroke across North Cumbria.”
So, whether you have spare pigs or produce, fruit or furniture, hay or holiday homes, donkeys or dinner, your donation will be very gratefully received. You may donate goods or promises to the 2019 auction by either contacting your local auction mart or emailing Y2hhcml0eWF1Y3Rpb25AYm9yZGVyd2F5LmNvbQ==
For up-to-date news on the auction please like/follow our activity on Twitter @farmers_auction and on Facebook @Farmerscharityauction.
For more information please contact Nick Utting on 07703 354466, Nina Oxley on 01228 406348 or the NFU office on 01228 523034.