Rostrum ready for St Giles Hospice’s March of the Elephants auction at Lichfield Cathedral

LICHFIELD’S auctioneer has paid tribute to the ‘crucial’ work done by St Giles Hospice as he readies the rostrum for the charity’s March of the Elephants auction next week.

Richard Winterton will be bringing down the gavel to raise thousands of pounds at the auction on Tuesday, September 24, at Lichfield Cathedral.

The ticketed event will see the sale of sculptures from the public art trail which took place over the summer in Lichfield, Tamworth and Sutton Coldfield.

The elephants going under the hammer will all be inside the cathedral on the night and those attending will be able to preview from 6.45pm, with bidding due to begin at 8pm.

The sale will also be broadcast live online.

Richard Winterton Auctioneers, based at The Lichfield Auction Centre, Fradley Park, is one of the trail’s corporate sponsors and the family firm is offering its services free of charge.

Mr Winterton said: “We've always had a strong connection with St Giles Hospice and huge respect for their wonderful dedication in caring for people living with terminal illnesses.

“This took on an especially personal note when our longstanding friend and colleague Elaine Axton passed away at St Giles Hospice in September 2022 aged 72.”

Mum-of-two Elaine, from Burntwood, was a cherished member of the team at The Lichfield Auction Centre.

Her passing inspired colleagues to organise charity bake sales and participate in fundraising events such as the Solstice Walk for St Giles Hospice.

They also built a memorial garden at their Fradley HQ, creating a space for staff to relax and reflect during break times.

“The elephant sculptures will be going under the hammer just a few days after the second anniversary of Elaine’s passing,” added Mr Winterton.

“Like so many people across our region, personal experiences have deepened our commitment to supporting the crucial work of St Giles Hospice.”

The auctioneer’s involvement with March of the Elephants began last autumn when he attended the launch event at The Hub in Lichfield.

“I immediately wanted to be part of this brilliant project,” he said.

“With our close connections to St Giles Hospice, the arts, Lichfield, Tamworth and Sutton Coldfield, it's an honour to be the official auctioneers for March of the Elephants.

“Hospices need our support now more than ever and we hope the community will dig deep to help this important cause."

Elinor Eustace, interim chief executive officer at St Giles Hospice, said: “We're incredibly thankful to Richard Winterton Auctioneers for their commitment to our cause.

“Their personal connection to our work highlights the impact we have in our community.

“This partnership for the March of the Elephants auction will significantly contribute to our ability to provide vital care for local people, and their loved ones, living with a terminal illness.”

A Farewell Weekend will see all the elephants from the trail come together in Beacon Park on Friday, September 20, from 12pm-6pm; Saturday, September 21, from 10am-5pm; and Sunday, September 22, from 10am-4pm.

For more information and tickets to attend the auction at Lichfield Cathedral on Tuesday, September 24, visit www.marchoftheelephants.co.uk.

To view the auction catalogue online and register to bid, visit https://bid.richardwinterton.co.uk/auctions/9036/srric10416.

ENDS