Going for a Swan: Staff are on offer! (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Going for a Swan: Staff are on offer!

HUNTINGDON Arts is set to hold an Auction of Promises on Thursday, May 4 at the Swan Theatre where everything will be up for auction, including the staff.

The auction is already being supported by local individuals and businesses from across the county, with lots including a portable Arctic Strong hot tub for a week, midweek breaks at stately home Hoar Cross Hall, hairdressing appointments from Inspiration and original David Birtwhistle paintings.

All the money raised from the auction will go directly towards keeping both Huntingdon Hall and The Swan Theatre open and running, director Chris Jaeger explains,

"Raising money is hard work, there is never enough money to go around and that is true for every arts venue in the country from the Royal Shakespeare Company to the Swan Theatre and Huntingdon Hall.

"We're passionate about keeping the arts alive and will continue to bring a wide range of music, drama and dance to the people of Worcestershire but we need your help.

"If you have anything you would like to donate to the auction, if you are a business who would like to offer us something or an individual with a skill you think you can offer then please get in touch. We're open to any suggestions."

Several members of staff have already put themselves up for auction with a day's gardening on offer from Huntingdon Arts box office manager Ally Hind and assistant Sue Webster.

Author Bill Bryson has promised to sign a personal message for the successful bidder in his new book The Life and Times of The Thunderbolt Kid and Huntingdon Hall regular and guitar maestro Gordon Giltrap has offered an exclusive one-on-one masterclass.

Anyone who would like to donate an item or promise should get in touch with the Swan Theatre on 01905 726969 or visit the auction which starts at 7.30pm.

A full brochure of lots will be available from the box office at Huntingdon Hall in advance of the auction.