Ceramics prove popular in charity sale

A sale of ceramics held to raise money for Cancer Research UK has surpassed all expectations after people poured in to support the cause last Saturday.

The special sale and exhibition was held at Irene Inness Ceramics in Helmdon and gave members of the public their first opportunity to buy one-off hand painted giftware made and donated by the students.

Around thirty to forty pieces were donated for the sale, which was previewed on Friday, on Saturday, June 26.

Organisers were thrilled with the popularity of the event, although maintain that, while it will be held again, it may be held on a biennial, rather than an annual basis.

Irene Inness said: "It was quite something and certainly exceeded our expectations.

"On Friday night we had about 80 or 90 people there and everybody had bought a ticket so there was wine and canapés, and most of the pieces were sold.

"Then we had a very good flow of people all through the Saturday.

"We anticipated that, if we raised £400 or £500 we'd be pleased, but we've found out that we've actually raised in excess of £1,400"!

"It was amazing!"

She also thanked people living nearby for their support in the sale, saying that many of her neighbours offered spaces on their driveways as parking paces to visitors, as well as popping into the sale itself.

The presentation of the cheque to Cancer Research UK is expected to take place some time in the next few weeks.

The Brackley Post - 2nd July 2004