From kitchenware to a barrel of cricket balls — Sports Complex secretary Rob Morter and No. 1 club member Janelle Merrett are keen to add to their list of auction items.By Kath Gannaway
OLD, new and just plain unusual – that’s always been the hallmark of the Warburton Millgrove Sports Club’s annual auction.
And that’s one of the reasons the auction has continued to draw big crowds.
Club secretary Rob Morter said that the auction was in its 26th year and this year’s was shaping up to be another fund-raising success.
“You just never know what you might find. It’s amazing what people will donate … some of the big-ticket items they are happy to bring down to put up for sale on a commission basis and what people will buy,” he said.
Pressed for the most unusual item to go under the hammer he says a coffin is high on the list.
“It was in the days when you could take as much grog as you liked into the Melbourne Cricket Club ground and half a dozen fans decided to take a coffin full of grog.”
Mr Morter said it was 15 of so years ago and there was some debate around the committee table about whether it was appropriate – good taste v bad taste.
“We didn’t get much of a price, but it sold,” Mr Morter said.
This year will see another change to auction tradition with the first female auctioneer making an appearance.
Carey Collins, of L. J. Hooker, will join the great team of local auctioneers who, Mr Morter said, put in a tremendous contribution each year to make the day a success.
“Carey has a great auctioneer style, and a great voice, and will be a very welcome and valuable contribution to the team,” Mr Morter said.
Auction items are starting to build up for the big day on 25 November, but Mr Morter listed as being among the type of goods people can expect garden furniture, agricultural machinery, motor mowers and other equipment, tools, bric-a-brac, antiques and plants, bicycles and household items, building materials, toys and … “other things”.
Anyone with donations or goods on commission should contact Steve Lord on 5966 2268, Jerry Crundern on 5966 2201 or Garry Lewis on 5966 5386.
The auction starts at 10am sharp and all proceeds go to the Sports Complex.
Mastercard, Visa and Eftpos will be available on the day and cash can also be catered for.
