Online auction raising money for new East Ilsley community centre to feature rare poetry book

An online auction featuring a rare poetry book as one of its lots is raising money for a new community centre to be built in a church.

The East Ilsley community project's online auction went live last Saturday at 9am and it is set to run until 9pm on Sunday, September 11.

One of the most prominent items on offer at the auction is a 1927 book of poems called Berkshire Vale by Wilfrid Howe Nurse and illustrated by Cecil Aldin.

The book contains a poem about the East Ilsley Sheep Fair, as well as verses on Abingdon, Appleton, White Horse Hill that were all part of Berkshire before 1974.

Other lots that will be on offer include two tickets to next year’s Truck Festival, a Walters Turkey, a copy of Jim Wilson’s book East Ilsley Photographic Memories, a ride in a combine harvester and more.

To take part in the auction, visit https://bit.ly/3QM2MH1

The organisers of the auction said: "We are fundraising towards essential repairs to St Mary’s, our Grade 1 listed parish church, and adapting the interior to include modern facilities and create space.

"It can then be used for a variety of events and activities as well as for worship. Concerts, exhibitions, playgroups, fitness classes, tabletop sales, you name it!

"It will be available to all and will benefit the whole community as we have no village hall. Services are infrequent, so let’s keep this lovely historic building alive."