An amazing total of four thousand pounds was raised at a charity auction at The Masons Arms pub on 8th January.

The pub was packed with generous bidders who snapped up dozens of items that had been donated to the auction by local individuals and by businesses from far and wide. The proceeds of the auction will be given to Children with Leukaemia, which is the UK’s leading charity dedicated to fighting Britain’s biggest childhood cancer. The four thousand pounds raised at the auction will be combined with funds raised at the pub’s other recent events, such as carol singing and wine tasting, to make a grand total in excess of five and a half thousand pounds.

“The amount of support has been phenomenal.” Simon Phillips who hosted the event at the Masons Arms, said. “I would like to thank everyone involved in making this event such a tremendous success. We received some great donations from The Racecourse, St. Pierre and The Crown at Whitebrook as well as from lots of other shops and restaurants. We were even given a home cinema system to auction. I was especially pleased to have the support of other local pubs like the Carpenters Arms in Llanishen and The Beaufort in Chepstow.”

The Masons Arms raises money for Children with Leukaemia every year and the New Year Auction became an annual event while Simon’s father Brian was the landlord. Sadly, Brian passed away last January and for many of his friends this year’s auction was a tribute to him. “It’s been a difficult year”, Simon said, “but I’m pleased we’ve been able to keep the fundraising going. The charity was very important to Dad. I know he would have been thrilled to see what a great night it was and to know that everyone pulled together to make it happen.”

Auctioneer Rob Escott in action.

Local musician Will Marangon provided the musical entertainment for the evening.