This highlight in the Salmon & Trout Association (S&TA) calendar launches today (20 August) and, thanks to the enhanced online bidding facility,it promises to be the best yet. The bar is set high: last year it raised over £40,000 to support the S&TA’s charitable work and this year the organisers are confident even more will be generated. Why?
Well, firstly, there’s the quality of the lots – over 40 truly mouth-watering items that range from fishing on ‘money can’t buy’ stretches to highly desirable angling memorabilia. For example, there are two copies of “Salmon Fishing in the Yemen” – first editions in immaculate condition – signed by the author Paul Torday, by Ewan McGregor, the star of the film and by Emily Blunt, who played the love interest. Truly unique! (Lots 8 and 21, guide £200 each).
It is really invidious to highlight just a few when there is so much, but we would like to draw your attention to two days at the award-winning Arundell Arms Hotel in Devon for two (Lot 28). To be taken at any time, the successful bidder (with friend) will enjoy two days’ fishing plus two nights B&B (guide price £500).
Or there’s the tour of the Mercedes GP Petronas Formula One Team Headquarters at Brackley and lunch with Ross Brawn for six people. This is a ‘money can’t buy’ item normally reserved for partners and sponsors of the team. You are guaranteed to be deeply impressed with the behind the scenes workings of the 450-strong Formula One Team and the opportunity to talk to Ross about his Formula One career and/or his fishing..!! (Lot 4, guide price £2,000).
The much expanded online commission bidding feature includes an automatic updating facility that instantly registers the bid. Bidders receive an email advising them of their status so they can stay in the bidding right to the end. All the top online bids are then entered as commission bids in the live auction; top bidders will be emailed before the live auction (which takes place during the Annual Dinner on 03 October) and asked if they wish to place a maximum bid to keep their bids alive.
Paul Knight, S&TA CEO said:
“Online or in person, every bidder in the S&TA auction stands an equal chance of securing the lot of his dreams. It could not be easier to enter, and ALL the money raised supports the S&TA’s work in protecting our precious aquatic environment. What could be a better cause for the committed angler?”
How to bid: The online bidding facility opens at 12 noon on Monday 20 August and closes after the live auction takes place during the S&TA Annual Dinner on Wednesday 03 October. To register, go to www.salmon-trout.org and follow the ‘Auction’ link on the Home Page. Please read the bidding instructions and Terms & Conditions carefully before completing your registration.
