A SILENT art auction, with bids offered in sealed envelopes, will replace the lively community event that was planned pre-Covid in a Wensleydale village to raise money for the 16th Century parish church.

The sale in Askrigg of more than 50, mostly original, works by some of the region’s leading artists had to be put on hold in April during the first nationwide lockdown, along with a host of other fund-raising events.

Now, with a second lockdown ended but severe restrictions still in place region-wide, the auction will to go ahead but in a different format, with visitors invited to view the pictures by appointment and in restricted groups.

With no cash forthcoming from central Church of England funds, church members face the task of raising more than £200,000 for St Oswald’s Church tower, which is rapidly deteriorating.

Among them is Royal Academy artist and Askrigg resident Piers Browne, who has donated ten of his own oils and etchings, and enlisted the help of fellow artists and Dales residents who have donated from their own collections. All the pictures are framed.

They include works by the late Marie Hartley, felt artist Andrea Hunter, Denise Burdon, Stewart Huntington and Pierre Guillou. A full catalogue can be seen here http://upperwensleydalechurch.org/silent-art-auction

The artworks will be displayed in Askrigg village hall next week, from Thursday, December 10 to Saturday, December 12 from 10am to 2pm and 3pm to 7pm, except on Saturday when the doors will close at 6pm. Viewing is by appointment only, because of Covid restrictions, and entry will be restricted to one family group at a time, up to a maximum of six. To book a 30-minute slot contact Piers: call 01969 650434 or 0787623331 or email piersbrowne@gmail.com. Sealed bids will be accepted at the exhibition and the highest bidders will be contacted by 7pm on December 12 to arrange payment and collection. If you are unable to attend please email or telephone the numbers above to leave your bid and full contact details.