The people of Kington and surrounding Herefordshire, Powys and South Shropshire borderlands are being urged to check their attics, jewellery boxes and cupboards for hidden treasures that might be worth a small fortune.
Experts from Shrewsbury-based Halls | The Auction House will be visiting the Oxford Arms in Kington on Friday, June 5 from 11am to 2pm to hold a charity antiques valuation event.
A fee of £2 will be charged for each item professionally valued and all money raised will go Open Arms Kington CIC, a social enterprise established to enliven and regenerate the rural border town.
The experts hunting hidden treasures are Maryanne Lineker-Mobberley, silver, jewellery and bijouterie specialist and Alexander Clement, watches, clocks and Asian art specialist and general valuer.
Last year at the Kington valuation event, Maryanne discovered small collection of jewellery which sold for £9,000 at an auction in March. The collection included an 18ct gold Boucheron bracelet and earring suite that made £6,500 and a late 19th century turquoise and diamond brooch that sold for £1,100.
Anyone wishing to have collections or large antiques valued at the event may take along photographs to show Maryanne and Alexander, who may arrange a follow up home visit.
Those who have antiques that they wish to be valued but are unable to attend the valuation event can contact Halls | The Auction House team on Tel: 01743 450700.
“We are really looking forward to visiting Open Arms Kington CIC with a mission to support the social enterprise as well as, hopefully, finding more treasures,” said Maryanne. “We were delighted for the Kington vendor that her small collection of jewellery sold for £9,000 auction.
“One of the joys for us, as professional valuers, is that we never know what we are going to see at these events.”
The social enterprise bought The Oxford Arms, a Grade II listed former coaching inn, in 2023 and is transforming it into a vibrant community hub and pub, where good things happen every day.
While the Grade II-listed building is being restored, a rear Courtyard and ancient barn are being used for pop-up events with a marquee to unite people of all ages through food, art, music and other events.
A detailed application to The National Lottery Heritage Fund for a grant towards the renovation project is expected to be submitted by November.
The aim is to make The Oxford Arms a community-owned hub, pub and venue, supported by a B&B and hospitality business. All profits will be directed back into community projects and development.
To learn more about Open Arms Kington, visit www.openarmskington.co.uk or follow on Facebook or Instagram @openarmskington.
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