Antiques valuations, flower arranging and cakes at Macmillan fundraiser

Shropshire’s leading fine art auction house is again joining forces with Macmillan Cancer Support to hold a free event which will this time combine antiques valuations with flower arranging and a coffee morning.

Halls The Auction House will host the third annual event at the company’s headquarters at Bowen Way, Battlefield, Shrewsbury SY4 3DR on Tuesday, October 20 from 10am to 2pm in partnership with Shrewsbury Macmillan Cancer Support Fundraising Group. There is plenty of free, on-site parking available.

Whilst the event is free, donations to Macmillan Cancer Support will be appreciated.

Halls’ experts Maryanne Lineker-Mobberley and Alexander Clement will be valuing antiques, art, jewellery, watches, coins, ceramics, Asian art and militaria. Owners of large items or collections can either bring photographs with them or arrange for a home visit.

Floral designer, Caroline Hamps of The Potting Shed, Telford will be demonstrating how to make floral arrangements using flowers kindly donated by wholesaler Jess Howett and her family, who run the Old Mill Flower Farm, near Bridgnorth. Both Caroline and Jess are enthusiastic Macmillan supporters.

Caroline creates beautiful, bespoke floral arrangements and runs her business from her cottage home in Telford which has a developing cutting garden. Her floral arrangements at Halls will fittingly have an antiques theme, as the saleroom will have lots for forthcoming auctions on display.

Visitors can relax over coffee and cakes and enjoy watching Caroline designing arrangements in the context of antiques during the morning.

A raffle will include a star prize of a family ticket to a Shrewsbury Town football match donated by the club, a voucher from The Café at Halls and many other prizes.

“This event is an ideal opportunity to receive valuations and learn about the history of a wide range of items, including family heirlooms, whilst at the same time supporting a brilliant charity,” said Maryanne, silver, jewellery and bijouterie specialist.

“We are seeking items to include in our future auctions and are happy to provide valuations without obligation to sell.”

Gill Eleftheriou, from Shrewsbury Macmillan Fundraising Group, said: “It’s always a pleasure to collaborate with the team at Halls The Auction House to organise this unique event.

“It’s an exciting twist on Macmillan Coffee Mornings which help to fund key support to so many affected by cancer. We really appreciate the enthusiastic support of both Caroline and Jess for this year’s event and look forward to welcoming lots of visitors.

“With growing demand for cancer support in Shropshire, we hope people will attend what promises to be a fantastic event in a very friendly and relaxed setting.”

Picture: Gill Eleftheriou (left) from Shrewsbury Macmillan Fundraising Group with Alexander Clement from Halls The Auction House and floral designer Caroline Hamps planning next month’s event.