With a sizeable pre-entry of lots it was clear that this year’s auction on 22^nd May was set to be a popular event. The selection of items was also encouraging with entries including a wide variety of fish keeping equipment, many species of tropical fish, tropical plant and, due to the excellent early spring weather, an abundance of pond plants.

Entries continued to come in over the last few days and continued on the Sunday. The morning weather was fine and warm and promising for the time of year. The attendance was also promising with a healthy number of bidders showing much interest in the pre-auction viewing which was open from 10.30am onwards.

There was also a sales table run by Ian Glaubes of Hounslow who was offering dry and frozen foods as well as fish imports. With over 250 items it had been decided not to enter these in the auction. Given that the final number of auction lots was well in excess of 500 this was probably a wise decision.

The auction is always a members only event so out of date memberships were soon renewed and day memberships made available to visitors. Bidder numbers were issued to all members enabling them to bid and buy lots. Purchases are recorded on a computer based auction programme and individual accounts are settled at the end of the day. Catalogues of the lots were printed and offered to the bidders.

Chris Ralph acted as auctioneer and, having explained the basic rules and bidding increments, he started promptly keeping up a brisk pace. Unsold items were in a minority most lots quickly finding new owners. The auction team works hard throughout the day and none more than Tim Chamberlain and Alan Dunne who were kept hard at it sorting the lots and doing all the running to the bidders.

The usual sense of humour and banter was soon apparent and created a great atmosphere. A short tea break was taken after the first 300 lots had been completed and the raffle was drawn. Then it was on with the auction to complete a very successful event. At the end accounts were settled and everyone expressed their enjoyment. It was time to pack up and clear the hall, say goodbye to many friends and look forward to the next meeting.

Possibly the best auction to date?

Andy Pearce