St. Mary’s Church in Wotton-under-Edge is inviting everyone to an art auction with over 170 pieces to raise money for church roof repairs.
The event begins on Friday 3 October, when the church opens from 10am to 4pm for public viewing of all the artworks. Visitors can leave silent bids and enjoy coffee and cake.
On Saturday 4 October, the church will again open from 10am to 4pm for silent bidding. It will then close and reopen again at 6pm for an evening auction event, designed to be a ‘soiree evening’. 40 select pieces will go under the hammer, led by local auctioneer Philip Taubenheim from Wotton Auction Rooms, with silent bids on these pieces also included in the final auction.
Guests will be welcomed with a glass of fizz, and can explore the artwork before enjoying an entree then a parade of seven puddings, individually served at the dining tables every 10 minutes.
The event is fully supported by volunteers and donations. Derek Aston, president of the local Rotary Club, will oversee hospitality and the bar, while all food, drink, and services, including catering by local caterer Sarah Beale (Sarah Beale Catering) are generously provided free of charge. This ensures that all proceeds directly benefit the church’s restoration fund.
The Revd Lesley Hewish of St Mary’s said: “St Mary’s is an important part of the local community. People of faith and non-faith backgrounds come to church for weddings, funerals, major community and national events, like Remembrance Sunday and the death of the Queen.
“It’s a hub for concerts, festivals, silent discos, school services and Read With Me fundraising events. We have plans to use it next year for extra events, such as weekly Pilates classes and as a venue for part of the Blues festival.
“Maintaining the roof is crucial for these events to continue running. Attendees will not only help preserve a historic church but also will be helping to preserve faith and community spirit.”
The range of art on offer is widely spread, from sculptures to three-dimensional works, from local landscapes to pop art.
“We are hoping to raise from the auctions around £5000 of the £20,000 target needed to repair the roof. The community is so supportive of our church; last year we needed £4000 to repair the clock, and the money was raised in a few weeks. This is a much bigger project, so we are hoping to reach out to people across the diocese and further to help ensure the church can continue serving as a place of worship and a hub for everyone.”
There are around 40 tickets remaining for the evening event. It will be a vibrant and sugar filled night. Those interested in attending or supporting the auction can contact Kate Cropper at ku.oc1758635523.ecif1758635523enebe1758635523ladny1758635523t@eci1758635523ffo1758635523, / 01453 842175 or visit the St Mary’s church office.
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