News

Dear Editor,

The Leas step-lift carriage restoration moved a step closer to leaving the War and Peace compound of Angelo Tripodi, near Ash in Kent.

£220.00 was the hammer price of the pair of watercolours featuring Dover seafront of 1880 sold at the Canterbury Auction Galleries on Tuesday 12 June.

The publicity generated for the benefit of the carriage was phenomenal. In five or six months time, this auction will be featured on the BBC’s Flog It! programme.

A placard measuring over 4ft x 3ft, featuring the dilapidated condition of the step-lift carriage, was clearly visible to the general public present at the auction, and all the television viewers in time to come. It displayed the message: “Raise The Restoration Appeal Leas Lift With Your 50ps”.

Our thanks must go to the auctioneer, Anthony Pratt, who announced that the proceeds from the sale would be contributed to the private restoration appeal before the bidding started.

One personally would like to thank the Chairman, Mr Jack Gill, of the 1890 Leas Lift Carriage Restoration Appeal, and our Secretary, Ann Houghton, who both gave encouragement and support on the day.

The professionalism of each and everyone of the Flog It! antiques programme was just super. Thank you BBC!

Any readers wishing to contribute to this privately funded charity — 1890 Leas lift step carriage restoration appeal group — can make donations to HSBC Bank account number 21433784, sort code 40-21-15. The website is www.leaslift.org.uk.

This is an update to your earlier story here: http://www.localrags.co.uk/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=4078 for which we are profoundly indebted to the Hawkinge Gazette website, as always.

Sincerely,
Robert Mouland