PEOPLE are invited to bring their antiques to be valued at an event that will raise money for children in India.
The valuations are being made by Martin and Pole Estate Agents and Chartered Surveyors.
As well as conducting house sales, the company also carries out antiques assessments and probate valuations.
They will be inspecting items brought to them at the charity event, with a fixed price for each item valued.
Each person may bring a maximum of two antiques for examination.
Funds raised will go to SalGO Assist, a charity that supports orphanages and very poor families in Bapatla, India.
The UK registered group is run by volunteers who send money, and raise awareness in the UK of the needs in the towns and villages in the south Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. .
They encourage sponsorship of widows, orphans and children at risk, and organise fundraising events throughout the year.
The money is spent mostly in Bapatla, a coastal town in Guntur District, and the many surrounding villages, with a total population of over 200,000.
Many people, especially in the villages and roadside communities, are dalits who live in huts or structures liable to collapse in the rainy season.
With little or no education they are limited to low-paid or seasonal work.
HIV/Aids is also a serious issue, and children from affected families are often ostracised.
The charity works to change lives, encourage children to stay in school and, where appropriate, take up college places.
Anne Warner, one of the event organisers says, “We’re grateful to Martin and Pole, who are giving their time free of charge.
“We’ve done these events several times over the years.
“It’s a bit like the Antiques Road Show, with people queuing up to meet the experts.
“There are refreshments available, and it’s all very light hearted.
“A few years ago, someone had a big clock which turned out to be expensive, and was put up for sale.
“If anything is sold following the event, Martin and Pole give us a percentage of the value.
“You never know who will turn up, and what they will bring with them.”
The event takes place at St Mary’s Church Hall, Winnersh, on Saturday, March 4.
Valuations will be carried out from 2pm through to 4.30pm.
The cost of assessment is £2.50 per item (with a maximum of two).
For information about the charity, visit: www.salgoassist.org
For information about the valuers, visit: www.martinpole.co.uk
