The Chairman David Cowling welcomed 45 members and 5 visitors to the meeting held on 6th September and after giving apologies received and congratulating those with birthdays this month he explained why those who had brought along an item for valuation had been given a numbered ticket. Tony Brazier the Group Secretary confirmed that the trip to Petworth House had been cancelled due to lack of numbers but that the ‘Mystery Trip’ on Thursday 19th October would go ahead. The committee is still working on the programme for next year, so if anyone has any suggestions for either speakers or trips, please let a committee member know. Welfare Officer, Christine Broadbent had nothing new to report and was still in contact with members who needed assistance.
Special Auction Services
Our speaker this month was Thomas Forrester from Special Auction Services in Newbury and television programmes such as ‘Bargain Hunt’ and ‘Flog It’. He gave an entertaining and interesting talk titled ‘The Lot of the Auctioneer’ telling us that they have auctions once a week and specialise in Toy Trains, Teddy Bears, Vinyl Records and Cameras. He explained that the popularity of collector’s items goes in cycles so that what was once collectable may not be so now. His personal speciality is jewellery which is always popular and does not seem to be subject to these cycles. Traditional antiques are not as popular as they once were but items like film props and items connected to famous people e.g. The Beatles and the Rolling Stones, are. A raffle was arranged so that members who had brought in items for Thomas to look at could be chosen at random. They were asked what they knew about the item and why it was special to them before he explained facts about the item, gave a valuation and explained why. If you would like further information about S.A.S. please go to www.specialauctionservices.com.
Next Meetings
Our speaker in October is Richard Court whose talk is ‘Travels in Tanzania’ and November’s talk is by Di Lewis from Citizens Advice.
The group meets on the first Wednesday of each month at Brookvale Village Hall from 10am to 12 noon and all retired Civil Servants, their relatives and friends are welcome. Further details about the group and information about our trips can be obtained by contacting – csrfbasingstoke@gmail.com.
— Margaret Atkinson