The Silent Auction is one of the biggest parts of the fete, with some wonderful items that have been donated. At the top of the list there’s a holiday for two people to St Lucia, courtesy of Virgin Holidays. Below that are weeks or weekends in holiday cottages, goods and services from local businesses, cases of wine, and more.

You’ll find the silent auction display boards and bidding table inside the Church of the Holy Spirit, to the right as you go in. To take part, you have to register your name and address at the desk , and you’ll be given a bidder number. Bidding is as simple as telling one of the auctioneers which lot you want to bid on, and how much you want to bid—as long as it’s higher than the current bid. Highest bid at 3.30 P.M. wins the lot. Please be ready to pay with cash or cheque before collecting your lot.

The lots up for auction this year include:

Long weekend (up to four nights) trip for two to the Caribbean island of St. Lucia. All-inclusive holiday – includes food, flights, transfers, and hotel accommodation (minimum 3-star hotel) from Virgin Holidays.
Weekend in a flat in Lyme Regis for up to four adults. The flat is ten minutes walk down to the centre of this beautiful seaside town.
Accommodation for two at Walmer (Deal) in a charming seaside flat. Situated between two castles, Walmer and Deal, and only yards form the sea.  Can stay any length of time subject to availability.
Weekend in a cottage in Painswick (known as the “Queen of the Cotswolds” in Gloucestershire), sleeping up to four people.
Authentic Indian Home Cooking Lessons! A four- week, 1 hour per week, cooking course on Abbeville Road with Manjul Treohan. Each week you will prepare and cook a starter dish and main course. Delicious!
A Sicilian Dinner Party at your (local) home. Yes, the chance for someone to come and prepare an authentic Sicilian meal for up to eight people at your home. Includes the cost of the food and all the food preparation. Donated by Alessia & Simon Petley.
Discover SCUBA diving! Diving Leisure London on Webbs Road has donated a “Discover Scuba” session for two people.
One-hour piano lesson in Clapham with Jocelyn Abbott, renowned teacher, international concert pianist and musical adjudicator. Great for those wanting to get back into playing or for those wanting to start the piano.
A term of classes at Mini Crotchets. Wonderful interactive music for toddlers aged 9 months to 3 years. Classes are held in Balham.
TWO “Monkey Music” classes, plus life membership and a Monkey Music monkey. Classes are in Clapham or Balham, including at the Contact Centre on Abbeville Road.
One-hour ‘WELLBEING SESSION’ of reflexology OR reiki in the comfort of your own local home by complementary practitioner, teacher and healer Jane Hanson.
90-minute sports or relaxation massage with renowned local masseur Henry Goldstein, either at your local home or at Henry’s place (Rodenhurst Road).
Two 90-minute yoga lessons for one or two people at your (local) home or in the Contact Centre by Iyengar-qualified yoga teacher Ollie Strachan.
Six weeks of exercise classes in the Contact Centre, with Janet Buck, lasting an hour each, on either Tuesdays and/or Saturdays.
A session of “extreme personal training” using Russian Kettlebells at Balance Physio (near Clapham North) with Svetlana (www.powerandbeauty.com). Great for strength training, core stability, balance, co-ordination and flexibility. It’s a complete workout!
PERSONAL TRAINING WITH EVOLUTION. Three-one-hour sessions with Evolution at 173 Abbeville Road, including a consultation, advice, and exercise in the on-site gym. More information available on the day of the fete!
TIARA PASS from Fit for a Princess: unlimited outdoor workout classes for the summer. “We are primarily for those who don’t like the gym, enjoy training outside and like to whistle while they work. If you’re fed up and disillusioned with the food and fitness industry, want to get to grips with your mind and body, and need a kick start to your health and happiness – we’re your girls!”
YOGA CLASSES. Check the Silent Auction boards in the church on the day of the fete for more information!
FULL THROTTLE FITNESS CLASS at Balance Physio.
ONE-HOUR PERSONAL FITNESS SESSION with Sabrina Skala, amazing contemporary instructor, in your local home or on the Common.
TANGO LESSIONS! The professionals at Tango Heat Club are offering two people the chance to have four 90-minute lessons.
BRITISH MILITARY FITNESS: a one-month membership for unlimited classes.
A Beautiful terracotta drawing of the person of your choice, valued at £980.
A cast of child’s or baby’s hands, mounted, boxed and on in oak frame, from Little Impressions.
Photo portrait session in your local home, along with a 10 x 8 studio portrait photo.
Mixed Case of ‘BUYER’S PREMIUM SELECTION’ BOTTLES from The Wine Society, valued at £100.
Vintage wine to the value of £200, donated by Michael Woolley.
AUTHENTIC INDIAN COOKING LESSON! A morning or afternoon in your own (local) home choosing and preparing starters and a main course, with renowned local chef Manjul Treoham.
Need your bike serviced? Psubliminal on Balham Hill will service your bike (parts not included).
AMAZING South African Handyman Graeme Woest can do just about anything around the home. Get half a day (3 hours) of his time. Materials extra.
Two hours of garden maintenance, advice or even a tutorial from local gardener Bob O’Dwyer.
A year’s subscription to Good Housekeeping, HOUSE BEAUTIFUL and COUNTRY LIVING magazines.

…and more on the day!
Items do change before the big day, so be sure to check the actual descriptions on the boards before you bid for anything.