Call to join the antiques country show
KIND-HEARTED hoarders are being urged to declutter to discover hidden treasure stashed in their attic or cupboard.
Recently a Toby jug found in a house clearance fetched £8,000 at a Wokingham auction.
Now, for the first time, the Hurst Show & Country Fayre will feature an Antiques Valuation event on the Sunday.
A team from the auctioneers involved, Martin & Pole, will give verbal valuations on what items might fetch at auction. They can also give insurance cover advice.
Visitors can have up to two items valued, with the £2 per item charge going into show fundraising. Items could include silver, jewellery, pictures, ceramics, works of art and collectibles such as toys, scientific instruments and memorabilia.
The experts can value furniture small enough to carry into the show. Larger furniture can be done from photos.
Show chair Sue Payne said: “We’re inviting our visitors to do a spring clean declutter now.
“The £2 per item valuation charge will boost our fundraising – and visitors may end up being richer.”
The show points out that security of items brought remains the owners’ responsibility. The show committee can accept no liability for theft or breakage.
Last year the show raised over £17,000 for local good causes including the Alexander Devine children’s hospice.
This year’s event will take place over the weekend June 23 and 24, and a wealth of activities will take place offering something for all ages.
Entries are being taken now for the classic car show via the show website, while fun dog show entries will be on the day. There will be an art show, ferret racing, beer and barbecue tents and the chance to bell ring. Another show first is a local ladies’ ukulele band.
Arena events include falconry, search and rescue dogs, horse dressage, maypole dancers, Elements Dance, a pony display, terrier racing and Hurst Morris People.
Dog owners can bring their pets for the dog agility course.
And the new hobby horse jumping proved to be so popular that it is returning for another year.
Anyone can take part and organisers will have a range of mounts that can be borrowed.
There will also be more traditional pony rides, games, a bouncy castle and face painting.
Crafts, gifts and foods will be on sale. Local crafts people will display their skills.
The show is open 10am to 5pm both days. Entrance remains at: adults £4, teens £2, seniors £2. Children 12 and under and Carers with CAN cards, are free, as is the car park.
For details and to contact the show go to www.hurstshow.uk