Auction gathers pace to raise funds for Wotton arts centre

Under the Edge Arts is looking to drum up interest in an ever-growing list of gifts, offers and days out that can be won in an auction to be held in March.

Everything from guitar lessons, fishing trips, furniture, local business vouchers and paintings are up for grabs, which can be bid on as we speak at Under the Edge Arts website, called Promises Auction.

Over 70 items are available for bidding but 15 specific items have been reserved for bids at a dinner to be held on Saturday, March 15 to mark the art centre’s 10th anniversary.

One of the top lots will be having your own guest column at the Gazette for four weeks.

Courtesy of editor Skip Walker, readers will have the opportunity to have their own by-lined article in the Gazette of around 350 words, which you can use to get your opinions, advice or observations over to a large readership.

You may like to focus on personal or business or community matters, or write a nature or sports column, the choice is yours.

Wotton-under-Edge must be named at least once every week and blatant advertising and over-inflammatory content will not be allowed and the editor will have the final say.

Organiser of Promises Auction, Martin Clarke OBE, said the registered charity was constantly having to fundraise to ensure it could maintain its programme of arts events at the Chipping Hall in Wotton-under-Edge.

Presiding over the event will be auctioneer Philip Taubenheim from Wotton Auction Rooms, who said he was pleased to be able to support the arts centre.

“Under the Edge Arts is a key part of the Wotton community," he said.

“I look forward to an exciting evening to celebrate their 10th birthday and to introduce some new people to the thrill of live auctions."

To make a pledge or for more information about the auction, email Martin Clarke OBE at concretesuperhero@gmail.com or call 01453 843646.

People can bid online at: www.utea.org.uk/promisesauction2014