To bid, or not to bid? This will be the question occupying many a Masonic mind on the evening of Friday the 1st July. This is the date of the Auction of Promises – the Province’s major summer 2019 Festival Appeal support event. The venue Oswestry’s Georgian style Wynnstay Hotel, which will welcome up to 144 Auction of Promises Dinner guests to its elegant banqueting suite. Set up in tables of eight, there will be plenty of elbowroom for bidders to raise their hands!
This leads us to the question of Lots. The Auction event is a straightforward, hassle free way in which Brethren and can contribute towards meeting Lodge Festival targets. If you submit a Lot that sells, then your Lodge will receive the credit for the full sale sum.
There are two forms of Auction Lot:
Promise Lots
An outstanding opportunity for Brethren to demonstrate the diversity of professional or hobbyist interests that exist within the Province. Lots might be the offer of a specified service, e.g. transport; car valeting; gardening; artwork etc. They might also be more ‘experience’ based, for example a day out, meal, unusual mode of transport, holiday accommodation, insight into an extraordinary hobby etc.
Physical Lots – or ‘Objects of Desire’ as we refer to them
Possibly an unused, unwanted gift of value such as jewellery, watch, Masonic item etc. or something yummy and edible like a sumptuous mini-hamper; tickets to an event, show or concert; an existing artwork such as a painting; antiques etc. The list is long!
The aim is to secure a broad spectrum of Auction Lots to suit the vast majority of interests, tastes and budgets. ‘Something for everyone!’ is definitely the spirit of this event!
Submitting a Lot
W Bro Peter Robinson is our Auction Lot Co-Ordinator – please email details of your Lot to Peter by CLICKING HERE
Please indicate what you feel the fair value of your Lot is; a realistic description of what you are offering. For physical Lots please email a photograph of the item if you have one.
Reception & Dinner
We are offering 144 Masons, family members and friends an experience to remember for the very modest price of £17.50 each. Arriving from 6.30pm, guests will receive a musical welcome with the option of taking drinks around the bowling green. Seated by 7.15pm, guests will enjoy a hearty two-course dinner – a list of sensibly priced wines will also be available.
The Main Event
Our auctioneer for the evening will be professional auctioneer Mr Michael Tomley FRICS who will preside over our two-part auction. The first part follows standard auction convention of inviting bids from the floor; the second is a ‘silent’ sealed bids auction. Lots for the latter part will be on display throughout the evening, so if something catches your fancy simply record the most you are prepared to pay for it on the dedicated bidding form. Highest bid wins the Lot!
Tickets fo
r Auction of Promises Dinner
In charge of bookings, we have W Bro Jeremy Lund – you can book to attend the Auction of Promises either electronically – click here ELECTRONIC BOOKING FORM or you can download and print a paper booking form click here AUCTION of PROMISES BOOKING FORM.
Accommodation
The 33 bedroom Wynnstay Hotel is offering a double room with breakfast for £95.00 – rooms will go fast! Other accommodation options include Shrewsbury Road, edge of town based Travel Lodge (flexible rate starting from £35 for a double room) and the Premier Inn (flexible rate from £44.50 for a double room) Book early to avoid disappointment and secure the best ‘flexible rate’ deal!
Family & Friends
To download the Auction of Promises e-poster to email to your family and friends click here E-POSTER – AUCTION of PROMISES
