Auction of promises ranges from manure to French holiday

Strictly speaking, they went under the gavel of auctioneer for the day Ged Hitchman who kept abreast of some fast and enthusiastic bidding.

The Little Common church hall of St Mark's looked unlike any other auction room with its central table, running the whole length, laden with sandwiches, scones, vol-a-vents and a huge variety of homemade cakes.

Would-be bidders settled down to the feast with copious pots of tea before the serious business of the event began.

The Auction of Promises on Saturday evening proved the most popular so far in the fundraising calendar to secure the 300,000 shortfall needed to "raise the roof" and bring the church hall up to date with a second floor, better access and a much needed modern kitchen.

With orders still coming in for the bags of manure, the total of 2,267 was still rising this week.

Among the lots were an offer of hedge cutting which went for 50, help to trace your family tree for 25, a trip out in a classic car followed by a cream tea for 65 and a realistic Basset hound which raised 21.

"We are still on a high," said fundraising co-ordinator Wendy Boorman this week.

"It was very enjoyable and a great success. It was lovely how people supported it."

Although tickets and catalogues were sold in advance, more people turned up than expected and extra tables were needed and more sandwiches quickly made by the team working behind the scenes in the kitchen.

A cheese and wine reception followed by a musical evening with an Austrian accordion player, a professional soprano singing show songs and a hand bell team is the next fundraiser to be held on October 18 starting at 6.30pm.

Other events include a quiz night with fish and chip supper on November 8 and a Scottish evening with meal and entertainment on November 29.

For details of all these events call 848453 or call into The Ark in The Twitten, opposite the village post office any weekday morning from 10-1pm.