THE Crediton Fundraising Group of Exeter Leukaemia Fund (ELF) held a successful Antiques and Valuation Evening last month.

Christopher Hampton from Bearnes, Hampton and Littlewood was given a warm welcome by committee member Christine Stevens. He went through around 60 items to give their history and valuation, during which it was learned that no-one was going home as millionaires!

However, Christopher’s talk and valuation with history on some of the items was very interesting. Two of the most valuable items were a gold watch and gold chain with a Victorian sovereign at £650 and a silver teapot set at £300.

Other items included a large picture of horses in the storm, which was a print and not an original, a ladies watch from 1917 with a receipt from the jeweller, bought for £1.15shillings, valued now at £30, a coffee pot at £30, a very old biscuit tin, which he said might reach £10 to £20 and ceramic plates from France at only £1 to £2.

There was also a fake spade guinea, and a beautiful sandlewood photo frame at £40, plus shell cases, a pipe stand, and various ornaments ranging from £20. There was also an early 19th century sword, which Mr Hampton said he would have to do some research on.

In fact it was fascinating talk for which Mr Hampton was warmly thanked. After a delicious Ploughmans supper, Mr Hampton auctioned several items, including a beautiful print of Shobrooke Cricket ground by Lionel Aggett, a barometer, and cheeses from Quicke’s Traditional, who also provided the cheeses for the Ploughman’s.

Tesco kindly supplied the bread for the Ploughman’s.

ELF’s next fundraising events are a skittles evening on Saturday, March 16, from 6.30pm at the Waie Inn, Zeal Monachorum - pre-booking required. Tickets are £8 per person and include a supper. Teams of four are invited, call Nick on 07971 694 606 to book.

A Big Breakfast will be held at Copplestone Community Room (Methodist Church) on Saturday, March 23 from 10am to 12.30pm. The price for a full breakfast will be £5 each.

All proceeds from both events will go to ELF, which supports the work of the Haematology Centre at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, which treats the region’s blood cancer victims, performs bone marrow transplants and conducts research into the causes and treatment of the disease.