The Bonfire Society Auction, held at the Mermaid Inn on Thursday 14 May realised a massive £5,100, a record by over £1000 on any previous year.
Bonfire supporters packed into the Tudor Rooms at the famous Hotel and clapped successful bidders who dug deep in their pockets to get the ‘star’ lots.
Top price was £850 for the privilege of lighting the 2015 Bonfire. Two original sketches by John Ryan fetched £200 and £400 and the oil painting of Jimper by Marina Kim attracted fierce bidding and reached £300. “No one will bid for a picture of me” said Jimper before the auction – How wrong he was. They named a bus after him a couple of months ago, now this!
It was an entertaining evening, enjoyed by all who attended, especially those that went for the ‘dining promises’ around the town. A meal for two here, another meal for two with champagne, breakfast here, afternoon tea there. They walked out carrying their certificates and promises in the certain knowledge that they would be treated like Mapp & Lucia in the famous eating and dining establishments of Tilling – I mean Rye.
The boost of funds will guarantee a terrific Rye Fawkes this year.