WE were amazed to hear that Simon Chorley has given over 200 talks on the Summerfield Collection over the past 13 years. Our village hall was the venue for the most recent one on Friday, November 15. Ron Summerfield was the curmudgeonly antiques dealer who was born in Derbyshire but who ran his business from Cheltenham for most of his life. His vast collection of antiques, when sold, amassed over £20 million and Simon Chorley from Bruton Knowles, along with other auctioneers, had the job of sorting and selling these goods. It was a most interesting talk with a few slides and those people present were given an insight into the monumental task that the auctioneers faced with the Summerfield Collection.

Simon also gave his expert opinion on some goods brought along by the public. Those present were asked to guess the most valuable object at £1 a try (which went to Children in Need) but many were fooled by some items which Simon had planted. It was a very informative evening and our thanks to Simon for his time. Money raised in aid of village hall funds.

The next whist drive will be held in the village hall on Wednesday, December 11, at 8pm. This will be a Christmas event with seasonal prizes.