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Charity Auction Success for the Lake District Foundation

The Lake District Foundation are celebrating after hosting their first ever charity auction on Friday evening to raise funds for the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Path reinstatement.

The evening was held at the Lodore Falls Hotel and raised over £4,000 from the 19 lots available on the night and still counting. There were over 90 guests who attended the evening from all over the UK, including special guests Alan Hinkes OBE, Ricky Lightfoot and Sean Conway.

Sarah Swindley, Director of the Lake District Foundation was thrilled with the fundraising event; she said

We are absolutely delighted with how the evening went and how much support the Lake District Foundation has had, to make our first ever charity auction happen. We’d like to say a huge thank-you to everyone involved from the businesses and individuals who donated prizes through to those who attended and bid for items on the night.  We are pleased the evening has helped generate funds for the Keswick to Threlkeld path and raise further awareness of the ongoing campaign.”

PFK Auctions, one of the oldest auction houses in the region, ran the bidding on the night. The most popular lots included a mountaineering day with Alan Hinkes, an adventure day with Sean Conway and a running experience with Ricky Lightfoot. The 3 bespoke bracelets made by Brian Fulton from Fulton Jewellers in Keswick,  Alan Stones framed original lithograph and a collectors set of Lake District Pound notes also raised a significant amount on the evening.

For those who were unable to make the evening, there is still an opportunity to bid for special items online at www.32auctions.com/keswicktothrelkeld until 30th June. The lots include a bespoke 70’s Herdy, a Fell Top Assessor for the Day experience, a VIP behind the scenes tour at Bremont HQ with luxury accommodation in Henley and even the chance to sponsor oaks trees with a plaque along the route of the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Path.

The funds raised will go towards reconnecting the Keswick to Threlkeld railway path, some parts of which were severely damaged during the floods in 2015.

Two of the old railway bridges that crossed the River Greta were washed away and one bridge left at risk of collapse and around 200 metres of the path surface disappeared into the floodwaters.

In December 2017 the LDNPA were delighted to announce a major funding boost to the project – a £2.5 million grant from Highways England and a partnership with the Lake District Foundation to jointly fundraise the shortfall of around £3 million.

 

Lake District Foundation Charity Auction Lots

The exclusive money-can’t-buy experiences and prizes for the Lake District Foundation Charity Auction are now available to view below.

If you would like to join us Friday 8 June at the Lodore Falls Hotel you can book your tickets here. PFK Auctioneers, one of the oldest auction houses in the region, will be running the bidding on the night and bidding will commence on the night of the auction. There are over 40 lots up for grabs all to raise funds to reinstate the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Path.

Lot 1 – A day on the Lake District Fells with Alan Hinkes OBE – Live Auction Item

An opportunity to head out into the Lake District fells with
Alan Hinkes OBE who is the first Briton to climb the world’s
highest mountains, the fourteen 8,000m peaks.

 

Lot 2 – A fell-running experience with Ricky Lightfoot – Live Auction Item

Join one of the top trail/mountain runners in the world for a run in the Lake District.
The former World Trail Running Champion from the Lake District, Ricky holds the record on several iconic races across the world including Mauritius, South Africa and the Scafell Pike. Bid for a fell running experience you’ll never forget.

 

Lot 3 – Adventure day with Sean Conway – Live Auction Item

Sean Conway is best known as the first and only man in history to cycle, swim and run the length of Britain, oh and for his massive ginger beard! In 2016 he completed the world’s longest triathlon, a 4,200mile journey around the coast of Britain. Sean has just broken the World Record for cycling across Europe in under 25 days from Portugal to Russia. Join him for an adventure day in the Lake District and receive signed copies of his books.

 

Lot 4 – Day of Pinhole Photography in the Lakes with Henry Iddon – Online Auction Item

Spend the day with award winning local photographer Henry Iddon capturing shots across the Lake District using a pinhole camera and learning how to develop the images yourself. You’ll end the day with your own magnificent prints captured by you.

Bid now 

 

 

Lot 5 – 3 night holiday to Venice – Live Auction Item

Enjoy a fabulous 3 night self-catering break for 4 in central Venice. You’ll be staying in the heart of this romantic city, in an apartment overlooking a very quiet and private Corte (with its 14th century well), yet only minutes from the bustling Rialto Bridge and the Market.

 

 

Lot 6 – Lake District Pound – Live Auction Item

A collectors set of Lake District Pound notes with the same serial number, that number reflecting a key date in the history of our National Park. You could own the full set of Lake District Pound denominations – LD£1, LD£5, LD£10 & LD£20. Each of the denominations will have the same unique Serial Number: 1951. 1951 being the year the Lake District National Park was founded. This will be together with a ‘Lake District Pound Storybook 2018’ exquisitely produced on James Cropper paper and telling the story of the LD£ and the 2018 designs.

 

Lot 7 –VIP Bremont tour and luxury dinner, bed & breakfast stay in Henley – Online Auction Item

Bremont is an award-winning British company producing beautifully engineered chronometers at their headquarters in Henley on Thames, England.

The prize includes a VIP behind the scenes tour with Nick and Giles and dinner, bed and breakfast at the luxurious Hotel du Vin on the banks of the river Thames in Henley.

Bid now

 

Lot 8 – Lake District National Park Field Team for the Day – Live Auction Item

The Lake District National Park’s Field Rangers are offering one full day of their time to assist you completing a big job in the garden, land or perhaps your farm? You aren’t bidding for a team to come and cut your grass for the day rather use their skills and expertise to help with something you can’t do, for example stone walling?!

 

Lot 9 –Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh behind the scenes tour and afternoon tea – Live Auction Item

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh was founded in 1670 as a physic garden. It is now a world-renowned centre for plant science, horticulture and education and extends over four Gardens (Edinburgh, Benmore, Dawyck and Logan) boasting a rich living collection of plants. You could have an exclusive behind the scenes tour with the Curator of the Living Collections followed by conversation over a delightful afternoon tea.

 

Lot 10 – Alan Stones lithograph – Live Auction Item

Local Lake District artist, Alan Stones, is offering a framed original lithograph. The picture is called ‘Over the Fence’ – hand made in May 2018 at Alan Stones studio at Blencarn in a limited edition of 85. You’ll be able to view on the night and you’ll beabsolutely enchanted.

 

Lot 11 – Theatre by the Lake Package – Live Auction Item

Theatre by the Lake in Keswick is offering a special package for two. Enjoy tickets to any performance this summer season, exclusive VIP backstage tour and a three course dinner for two.

 

Lot 12 – Sail and dining experience on Lake Windermere with VIP Chauffeur travel – Online Auction Item


Enjoy a morning of indulgent luxury.

You will be picked up by your own private chauffeur, from Lakeside Travel Services VIP Chauffeur service, driven to your yacht on Windermere where you’ll set sail for an afternoon on the Lake and an enjoy a sumptuous lunch with wine on board. Your chauffeur will return you home after your excitement on the water.

Your sailing experience will be with Sail n Dine. Bid now.

 

 

Lot 13 – Bespoke 70’s Herdy – Online Auction Item

For those of you who haven’t come across Herdy. Let us take a moment to introduce you. Herdy design and create unique gifts, homeware and accessories that make you smile. Born in the English Lake District and inspired by the area’s loveable Herdwick sheep, they also support sustainable rural community and upland fell farming projects through the Herdy fund. Herdy have created a bespoke 70’s disco Herdy especially to help raise funds for the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Path! Bid now.

 

Lot 14 – Fulton’s Bespoke Jewellery- Live Auction Item

Brian Fulton based in Keswick has over 35 years experience in the jewellery trade. Brian has become a Freeman of the Goldsmiths’ Company for his contribution to the goldsmith and jewellery trade and is a fellow of the Institute of professional goldsmiths.

Brian, whose workshop was based in Threlkeld used to commute along the old railway path to Keswick. Brian has designed 3 bespoke bracelets to represent the bridges which were damaged during Storm Desmond, their old railway bridge numbers were 69, 71 and 73. Each bracelet will be auctioned separately.

 

Lot 15 – Ultimate Whinlatter Forest Experience & lunch at The Cottage in the Wood – Online Auction Item

Did you know Whinlatter is England’s only true Mountain Forest? It’s home to stunning views, fantastic walks, exhilarating mountain biking, rare wildlife and adventure play! The team at Whinlatter are giving you the chance to bid on a special prize for two…. A Discovery Pass for Whinlatter, afternoon tea at Siskins Café and Go Ape session (High Ropes or Segways) for two people plus a voucher for the Visitor Centre! Enjoy lunch for two as well at the fabulous Cottage in the Wood just by Whinlatter Forest. Bid now.

Lot 16 – VIP tour of Lingholm Estate house and gardens and Champagne Afternoon Tea – Online Auction Item

Lingholm Estate is traditional country estate that lies at the heart of the Northern Lake District situated on the Western Shore of Derwentwater. Central to the Estate is a grand Grade II listed Victorian house, built in 1873 by the prominent Victorian Architect Alfred Waterhouse with expansive grounds and stunning gardens. The Estate is offering an exclusive VIP tour followed by a scrumptious afternoon tea for two. Bid now.

 

Lot 17 – Hawkshead Relish Hamper – Live Auction Item

The Hawkshead Relish Company is an artisan producer of award winning preserves based in the historic village of Hawkshead in the heart of the English Lake District. The range of over 120 relishes, pickles and preserves are handmade in small batches using traditional open pans and locally sourced ingredients, without any artificial flavourings, colourings or preservatives, all are free from nuts and gluten and suitable for vegetarians.

    Get your hands on a tasty hamper not to be missed filled with Hawkshead Relish finest  goodies!

Lot 18 – Lakes Distillery Package – Online Auction Item

 The Lakes Distillery is located next to Bassenthwite Lake. The team are inviting you to bid on a tour of the Distillery, afternoon tea for two and a fabulous bottle for the summer –  The Lakes Rhubarb and Rosehip Gin Liqueur. Bid now. 

 

Lot 19 –Wordsworth House and Garden entry and afternoon tea for a family of four – Online Auction Item

William Wordsworth ‘Daffodils’ poem beginning “I wander’d lonely as a cloud” is the quintessential Lake District poem. Born in Cockermouth, just north of the National Park, Wordsworth House and Garden was his childhood home. Wordsworth’s ‘Guide through the District of the Lakes’ published in 1820 sparked off the first beginnings of mass tourism to the area. Enjoy a tour of the house and gardens followed by afternoon tea. Bid now.

Lot 20 – Jennings Brewery case of the finest beer and hamper – Live Auction Item

Indulge in a case of Jennings beers – Cumberland Ale, Jennings Bitter, Sneck Lifter, Cocker Hoop and a hamper of tasty local produce. The Jennings beers are brewed with pure Lakeland, drawn from the brewery’s own well, and only the finest ingredients are added. The real art is in the brewing itself, where the Head Brewer and his team use their years of experience and traditional brewing methods to create a range of superb Lakeland Ales.

Lot 21 – European Garden Heritage Network – Online Auction Item

A special opportunity to experience a VIP tour of the Schloss Dyck Foundation located just outside Dussledorf in Germany and a luxury overnight stay with dinner at the Hotel Schloss Dyck on the grounds of the glorious stately home. Schloss Dyck is a dramatic moated castle which is regarded as one of the most important cultural monuments on the Lower Rhine. Built on four islands in the 17th century, the castle complex lies at the heart of the spacious park. Bid now.

Lot 22 -Wordsworth’s Daffodil poem signed by Susan Wordsworth – Online Auction Item

Rydal Mount, in the heart of the English Lake District, was William Wordsworth’s best loved family home for the greater part of his life from 1813 to his death in 1850 at the age of 80. The house, which was a focus for romantic literature, continues to be owned by the Wordsworth family and retains the feel of a lived in family home. We have a special opportunity to bid for a signed copy of Wordsworth’s Daffodil poem. The copy is signed by Susan Wordsworth the Great, Great, Great, Granddaughter of William Wordsworth. Bid now.

Lot 23 – Booths Luxury Hamper – Live Auction Item

Delightfully indulgent, hand-picked and chosen with love, this charming afternoon tea hamper comes packed with our favourite tea-time treats. Enjoy an afternoon sipping fragrant Earl Grey tea and scrumptious strawberry and raspberry preserves from Rosebud, Bells finest fruit cake blended with seasoned spices and luxury chocolate chunk biscuits… perfect for dunking! A British tradition worth sharing with friends and loved ones.

 

Lot 24 – 4 Saturday night Concert Tickets to Keswick Mountain Festival – Live Auction Item

Keswick Mountain Festival has held back 4 tickets for Saturday 9th June concert with Mel C and The Farm. The tickets have now sold out so here’s your chance to get involved with the celebrations and support a superb cause!

 

 

Lot 25 – Heart Radio – Bid now! 

Heart Radio is giving away a special prize for those budding radio presenters and super fans of the show. You could sit in on Heart drive time show, have a studio tour and walk away with fabulous merchandise! Bid now.

 

Lot 26 -33 Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Path Oak Trees – Bid now!

We are planting 35 oak trees along the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Path.

The Lake District National Park is offering up a special opportunity to bid for 5 trees at a time.

We have 7 lots to offer 5 Oak Trees per lot. You’ll receive a plaque on the trees to thank you for your donation. Bid now!

 

Lot 34 – Fell Top Assessor for the Day – Bid now!

From November to March three Mountaineers summit Helvellyn to monitor, record and report on the weather conditions. Helvellyn is one of the most dangerous mountains to climb especially in winter conditions. The Fell Top Assessors job is to ensure locals and visitors summit safely and provide a ‘boots on the ground’ report on conditions. You can experience what it’s like to be a Fell Top Assessor for the day, climb the mountain, and produce the report and take over the social media for the day. Bid now.

 

Lot 35 – The Quirky Coach – Bid Now!

Zoe Dawes, known as the Quirky Traveller, is a local lady who travellers the world writing awe-inspiring blogs and provides expert business coaching.

Zoe is offering a special business and life coaching session with a half day ‘walk n talk’ along the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Path.

Walking is good for your health; being outdoors helps you clear your mind, reflect, think differently, it gives you clarity and boosts creativity. You can decide what to get out of the session, an individual ‘walk n talk’ coaching session, team building or social ‘walk n talk’ whatever your preference Zoe is on hand to offer her expert advice for half a day. Bid now!

 

Lot 36 – Two night luxury break at Smiths Hotel, Gretna Green – Bid now!

Carlisle Lake District Airport and Smith Hotel are offering a two night luxury stay in a Suite with full Scottish breakfast and a bottle of bubbles on arrival. The Smith Hotel is a superb 4 star accommodation, excellent 2 x AA rosette restaurant, an onsite beauty salon and just in case you were wondering, highly regarded as one of the very best wedding reception venues in the area. Bid now!

 

Lot 37 –Monster Mile entries – Live Auction Item

The original and the best, Lakeland Monster Miles is the toughest both physically and technically of all the Adventure Cross events, offering a full take of the best of Lakeland riding, and is a great way to end your Cyclocross season.

Starting from Fitz Park in Keswick on 14 October, if you are up the challenge you’ve still got plenty of time to train, kindly sponsored by Rather Be Cycling and Sponsors Cycling Weekly and MBR.

 

Lot 38 – Sally’s Cottages Break & 12 month Cumbria Life Subscription – Live Auction Item


Sally’s Cottage is giving the opportunity to enjoy a midweek break at Rose Cottage in Lamplugh and Cumbria Life will help you unwind by offering a 12 month subscription.

 

 

Lot 39 – Exclusive John Lewis Hotel Break and afternoon Tea at The Gaddum – Bid now!

You are invited to enjoy a very special dinner, bed and breakfast experience at the John Lewis exclusive hotel in Ambleside. The hotel is normally reserved for John Lewis employees but they have generously opened their doors to help raise funds for the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Path. To make your mini break complete, Brockhole’s newly launched restaurant is offering an afternoon tea experience at The Gaddum Afternoon Tea. Bid now!

Lot 40 – Another Place overnight adventure and family pass to Holker Hall & Gardens with afternoon tea – Live Auction Item

Another Place is the newest in the new collection of hotels designed to bring people together in exceptional locations. From the team behind Watergate Bay Hotel, Another Place on the shores of Ullswater is relaxed, convivial hotel from where you can explore the great outdoors. It’s a place for coming together round a table or fire pit, or for going it alone on a walk in the hills. It’s about days spent splashing about in the lake before drying out on a sofa with a book. It’s about the good things in life – having fun, eating well, letting go. Enjoy dinner, bed and breakfast and the next day head off to Holker Hall & Gardens for a day of fun and afternoon tea.

Lot 41 – Short break for 4 in one of the Lake District Award Winning Parks – Bid now!


Lake District Estates are inviting you to bid on a wonderful short break at one of their 4 award winning Parks in the Lake District.

Take your pick from Woodclose Park, Kirkby Lonsdale, Waterfoot Park at Pooley Bridge or Hill of Oaks, or Newby Bridge Parks at Windermere. Bid now!

 

Lot 42- Signed Sir Chris Bonington and Doug Scott poster – Bid now!

Lot 43 – Spa Experience & dinner at Oxley’s at Underscar – Live Auction Item

Heart of the Lakes are giving you the chance to bid for a Spa Experience Deluxe for 2 people at Oxleys Spa at Underscar followed by a two course meal for four and a bottle of Wine at The Bistro at Underscar.

Outdoor Legends lead the charge to restore Lake District trail

A host of outdoor legends are throwing their weight behind a major charity event this June aimed at restoring a well-known Lake District trail decimated by Storm Desmond.

Climber Alan Hinkes, runner Ricky Lightfoot and adventurer Sean Conway are all offering ‘money can’t buy’ experiences as part of a charity auction being arranged by the Lake District Foundation next month, to raise vital funds for the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Path.

The event on 8 June 2018 at the Lodore Falls Hotel in the Borrowdale Valley aims to help raise the £3m needed to reconnect the route for cyclists and walkers, after two old railway bridges and around 200 metres of path surface were washed away by the ravages of the weather in 2015.

  

Three unique outdoor experiences are among the prizes available for the highest bidders on the night:

  • A day on the Lake District Fells with Alan Hinkes, OBE, who is the first Briton to climb the world’s highest mountains, the fourteen 8,000m peaks.
  • A fell-running experience with Ricky Lightfoot, one of the top trail/mountain runners in the world. A former World Trail Running Champion from the Lake District, Ricky holds the record on several iconic races across the world including Mauritius, South Africa and the Scafell Pike.
  • Adventure day with Sean Conway, who is best known as the first and only man in history to cycle, swim and run the length of Britain. In 2016 he completed the world’s longest triathlon, a 4,200mile journey around the coast of Britain.

Sean Conway is also an official Ambassador for the Lake District Foundation. He says, I love the Lake District and I really want to help people make the most of this awe-inspiring landscape. Restoring the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Path to an accessible trail for walkers and cyclists is a vitally important cause, because we are bringing it back to life for future generations.”

Other prizes up for auction range from bespoke jewellery designed and made in the Lake District to two fantastic VIP garden tours, at the Royal Botanic Gardens of Edinburgh and the European Garden Heritage Network at Schloss Dyck in Germany.

Tickets for the event on 8 June available online: they are £50 per person or you can take a table of 12.

Since Storm Desmond in 2015, around half of the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Path Multi User Trail (MUT) has been out of action, impacting on thousands of local people and visitors who enjoy the route every year. The Lake District National Park (LDNP) prioritised reconnecting this route, however it is a complex, major project that required significant work. Through 2016-17 LDNP secured as much alternative access for users as possible and carried out detailed design and consent work, funded by Highways England.

In December 2017, LDNP announced a major funding boost and significant step forward, thanks to a £2.5 million grant from Highways England and a partnership with the Lake District Foundation (formerly Nurture Lakeland) to jointly fundraise the balance of around £3m. To help us reconnect this route, donate today by visiting lakedistrictfoundation.org/keswick-to-threlkeld, or text ‘KTOT18 £5’, or ‘KTOT18 £10’, to 70070.

For more information about the auction or to donate an experience, contact Caroline Hoppé, at the Lake District Foundation on [email protected] / 01539 822622.

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