Visit from TV Auctioneer

TV auctioneer and antiques expert Charles Hanson, a regular on the BBC’s The Antiques Road Trip and Bargain Hunt, left his gavel at home for a day to visit Francis House. In December 2014, Charles presided over the auction at our gala charity ball held at Mere Golf Resort.

After whipping the audience of 500 into a bidding frenzy, he brought the hammer down on over 16 lots raising £87,000 in funds.

Touring the hospice facilities with chief executive David Ireland, Charles said: “To be able to come here and have a look around has been an incredible experience.

“As auctioneers you get caught up in the emotion of the night, trying to get the highest bids in order to raise the most money. Being able to see where that money goes is really stirring.

“The technology that the hospice is equipped with to give the children and young people a really good standard of comfort and wellbeing is amazing.”

In May 2014, Francis Lodge opened, a seven bedroom extension built specifically with teenagers and young adults in mind. Each bedroom enables the young people with neuromuscular conditions, to play computer games, access movies or television from their bed or wheelchair. A large TV lounge provides a social space to relax and spend time with peers.

A sensory room equipped with light tubes, surround sound, video projection and water bed gives those with complex needs and unable to articulate, enriching experiences that they wouldn’t have access to otherwise.

Charles said: “I’m so pleased out of my busy day job to get time to come here. For every family there are the rigours of daily life. But for those with a poorly child the strain is constant. Here they can have a peaceful and fun time, far removed from that stress.”

Charles established Hanson Auctioneers in Etwall, Derbyshire in 2005. He manages the busy auction and value house, the venue for international sales of antique silver, jewellery, clocks and furniture.

Starting on April 16th 2015, Charles and the Hanson’s team will be providing monthly charity valuation days at the Coach and Four bar and restaurant, Wilmslow. The public can take along their treasured antiques, hear about their history and value in return for a donation to the hospice. For more information visit http://www.hansonsauctioneers.co.uk/pages/antique-valuations-cheshire.php

Charity valuation days at The Coach & Four, 69/71 Alderley Road, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 1PA

Thursdays 11am to 3pm on 16^th April , 21^st May, 18^th June, 16^th July, 20^th August, 17^th September, 15^th October, 19^th November.