MADAM, THE Merry Millers 'do' Charity Auction, dinner and dance, as reported in the Ross Gazette, has raised the total sum of £13,232. It was a 'one off' event organised last year by my father, Ian Pugh. But due to popular demand, and willing sponsors, we decided to do another one.

This year the event was held at the Three Counties Hotel in Hereford on May 3rd, with over 300 attendees, the majority of whom were farmers, farmers wives, or farming related. The collecting of monies and paperwork for the auction was done by me, Janey Cotton (daughter of Ian and Eira Pugh) and Sarah Evans. Singing after the Dinner was by Lyny Wood-Cole (Ian and Eira's other daughter.)

The event was a great success. We raised over £13,232, which has been split four ways between: Air Ambulance (Wales), Air Ambulance (Midlands), St Michael's Hospice, Hereford and St Anne's Hospice, Newport.

The Merry Millers organising committee would like to thank all sponsors and attendees on the night for their spirited bidding. Auction items were sold by the energetic and enthusiastic auctioneer, Martyn Evans. Fifty lots were auctioned, ranging from meals at local pubs to Fertiliser and bales of hay, to 18 holes round of golf. Some of the highlights of the evening were: £20 Fuel Vouchers for Locks Garage, Allensmore sold for £85; One tonne of Yara Fertiliser (Value £350) sold for £500; 1 Pallet (52 x 20kg) Downland High Energy Feedblocks (worth £500) sold for £700; Two Manchester United Football Tickets sold for £350

The total sum raised from the two events was nearly £30,000 which has been shared between local Charities.

Janey Cotton, Co-Organiser with my Dad, Ian Pugh, Three Ashes.