THREE months of planning came to fruition on Saturday, September 9 with the first general auction at St Michael’s Church, Bude.

Mr Reg Hamley, an experienced auctioneer from Kilkhampton, helped the enthusiastic but inexperienced team from St Michael’s. The team was delighted to receive over 200 lots.

A steady stream of people viewed the items on the lookout for a bargain.

The catering team, led by Sandra Huffer, made and sold a wonderful selection of hot drinks, cakes, rolls and cookies to a hungry, speculative audience, ready it was hoped, to splash the cash!

By 2pm the church was full and the excitement rising. The catering team shut up shop and prepared to flash their numbers!

For some the auction was a new experience, but Reg put everyone at ease, striking a gentle but efficient rhythm to the bidding.

Even auction ‘first-timers’ enjoyed the fun, though some ended up with items they didn’t realise they’d bought or wanted, and others who thought they’d push the bids up a bit ended up bidding against each other! A lot of laughter and good natured banter accompanied the sale, which was a thoroughly enjoyable experience and a great way of creating funds for the church.

The final total for the day was a magnificent £1,617!

A spokesperson said: “Well done everyone on such a magnificent team effort!”