Charity valuation night gives Art Ministry a boost (From Echo)

Charity valuation night gives Art Ministry a boost

FAMILY heirlooms were dusted off for a charity valuation evening in Hadleigh in aid of a community arts project.

Interesting find - Gwyneth Smallbone and Kevin Robson, far right, from the Art Ministry listen to Mark Stacey, second left, value a Georgian drinking goblet with silver rim brought to the antiques evening by Malcolm Brown

Collectables expert Mark Stacey, of BBC1's Flog It programme and Stacey's Auctioneers and Valuers, based in Leigh, entertained residents with tips on choosing antiques.

People brought their heirlooms, ranging from jewellery and vases to a vintage vacuum cleaner, for Mr Stacey to value.

The event raised £200 for the Art Ministry, based in the United Reformed Church, Church Road, Hadleigh. The group offers art classes for people with special needs or learning disabilities.

Kevin Robson, 51, the charity's treasurer, said: "Mark talked first about his love of porcelain and how to be discerning when buying antiques.

"After the break he examined items brought along by audience members and went through them one by one in an amusing and educational way.

"There was a silver goblet which turned out to be a bit of a find and a framed tile was identified as Royal Doulton and could be worth up to £500."

Money raised from the evening will pay for an extra teacher for classes with young people. For details about the Art Ministry, call 01702 559853.