7th January will be the night you can generously pass on some goodies to our “Mystery Auction”.  Many of you know the basic format for this. There will be further details between now and next week.

This is just a reminder to please put aside, then wrap ready to donate, any duplicated, unloved, Christmas pressies you might have received.

Also, any “household clearance” items that you’ll appreciate getting rid of could well be welcomed by other COPSErs.

The procedure involves us bringing along to Club Night any duplicated Xmas items that we may have received – or others that we feel might be more welcomed in someone else’s home! Also, unwanted but reasonable donations of other things, e.g. an appliance you might have bought and planned to use but found you never have. Basically, not just rubbish but something you donate that another might happily gain!

Please wrap items “anonymously” without disclosing the packages’ contents and slip them to me, when you arrive. The fun of the evening is that people bid for something but don’t know what they will get! Of course, the success of the auction relies on the generous spirit, pockets, wallets and purses of everyone attending. I.O.U.s can be noted and cheques passed. Treasurer Bob will once more be collecting your funds.

If you have an item of particular value, we can set a “reserve” start price. Likewise, please speak to me before the auction begins, should you be donating something specifically suited for only one gender -although we have had a good laugh when, for example, a lacy camisole top was successfully bid for by one of our strapping gents!

* The recipient of all our early 2025 goodwill is ShelterBox, the charity very suited to COPSE in that we camp and enjoy outdoor living “for leisure and pleasure” and ShelterBox provides emergency supplies for people having to camp merely to survive. In brief:
“YOUR SUPPORT WILL HELP PEOPLE AFFECTED BY DISASTER AROUND THE WORLD”