Historic artefacts from the pier raise cash for children's charity

A collection of unusual items from Brighton Palace Pier has raised thousands of pounds for Sussex children's charity Rockinghorse.
Terrina Barnes from Rockinghorse with Neil Blackmore from Brighton Palace PierTerrina Barnes from Rockinghorse with Neil Blackmore from Brighton Palace Pier
Terrina Barnes from Rockinghorse with Neil Blackmore from Brighton Palace Pier

The auction at Gorringes Auction House in Lewes included 31 lots from the pier's Victoria Bar, including signage, musical instruments, Victorian prams and even an old rocking horse.

The event on Monday, April 30 raised £4,810 for Rockinghorse, the fundraising arm of the Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital in Brighton.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A musical instrument bundle, which included two modern cellos and a bass, was the most popular lot, selling for £1,600.

Brighton Palace Pier auction itemsBrighton Palace Pier auction items
Brighton Palace Pier auction items

Gorringes waived all commission costs for the special charity auction, so that everything raised on the day was able to be donated to the charity’s ongoing projects at the Alex and associated paediatric units and children’s centres across the county.

Terrina Barnes, corporate fundraising manager at Rockinghorse, said: “When Brighton Palace Pier first approached us with the idea of auctioning items from their Victoria Bar, neither parties were sure how valuable they would be.

"Thanks to the support from Gorringes Auction House, we are delighted to have received almost £5,000 from the auction – a great success! Huge thanks to Brighton Palace Pier and Gorringes for their generosity.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Neil Blackmore, sales and marketing manager at Brighton Palace Pier, said: “It’s fantastic that the auction was such a great success and it’s always a pleasure to support a local children’s charity such as Rockinghorse. Hopefully we can help again soon when we welcome Rockinghorse back to the Pier for their Halloween Quiz in November!”

Charles Crisford, valuer and clock specialist at Gorringes, said: “Having seen the eclectic items the pier had to offer, I knew it would be a great success and we are always delighted to support local charities such as Rockinghorse.”

To find out more about Rockinghorse and the work they do to support sick children in Sussex, visit www.rockinghorse.org.uk

Related topics: