A pair of life-size bronze stags worth £45,000 is just one of the extraordinary lots on offer at an auction being organised to raise money for Eden Rivers Trust. A glitzy charity dinner is being held at Carlisle Racecourse in Cumbria on 19th October 2013 where everything from exquisite sculptures to exclusive experiences in the British countryside are being auctioned.
Proceeds from the auction will support Eden Rivers Trust’s vital conservation and education work on the internationally important River Eden, which forms such an essential element of the landscape, beauty and economy of the Eden Valley all the way from Kirkby Stephen to Carlisle.
The Trust has produced a stunning catalogue of 65 rare and exciting lots ranging in value from just £40 to £45,000. Bidders will be able to bid in advance and if attending the dinner, on the night. Demand for tables has been very high and anyone wishing to book a table (10 guests @ £75 per head) is encouraged to contact the Trust at the earliest opportunity. Claire Hensman, Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria, will be providing the welcoming address.
Eden Valley based and internationally renowned sculptors David Williams-Ellis and David Cemmick are both supporting the auction. David Williams-Ellis is donating a stunning life sized solid silver trout valued at £9,500. David Cemmick’s numerous lots include a stunning sculpture of two life-size swimming otters chasing a salmon, a pair of life-size red grouse in flight and ‘The Rut’ – two life-size bronze stags, priced at £45,000. Other lots include exclusive horse racing, shooting, fishing and experience days in Cumbria and throughout the UK.
Simon Johnson ERT Director said, “ERT does not receive any direct core funding or support from Government sources. We raise funds to deliver projects that restore habitats, research the health of the river and educate people about the importance and benefits of a healthy river system. To date we have undertaken projects on a staggering 200km of river and we have engaged and educated over 15,000 people. Every pound we raise will be made to work hard for the Eden. We keep overheads and red-tape to a bare minimum and we strive to ‘gear’ donations by a factor of at least 4:1 to maximise their impact. I hope the good folk of the Eden Valley and the many thousands of people we have worked with over the years will be able to find it in their hearts to support this vital fundraiser.”
Copies of the catalogue are available via the Trusts website www.edenriverstrust.org.uk or post by contact the ERT office on 01768 866788.
