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The Whitebread Meadow auction near Bourne raises £720 for charity




A tradition which dates back nearly 300 years has been upheld in a countryside field.

The Whitebread Meadow auction attracted more than 100 participants on Monday evening (April 28).

The custom stems from the terms of Matthew William Clay’s will of 1742 which states that the grazing rights of a 1.25 acre field should be granted to the highest bidder each year.

Auctioneer Stephen Knipe. Photo: Charles Sentance
Auctioneer Stephen Knipe. Photo: Charles Sentance

The meadow is located between Bourne and Dyke. Traditionally children would be chosen to run up and down the field and whoever was the highest bidder when they returned would be crowned the winner.

This year’s runners were Thomas and Kara Bannister and the winning bid of £720 was placed by Richard Bennett.

Historically the money raised was given to the local baker who would use it to make bread for poor people in the Eastgate ward, but the proceeds are now given to charity.

The dragon is slain. Photo: Charles Sentance
The dragon is slain. Photo: Charles Sentance

In the past the auction has supported Bourne Foodbank, The Butterfield Centre, Don’t Lose Hope, Bourne Civic Society and Bourne Outdoor Pool but this year’s recipient is still to be announced.

Auctioneer for the event was Stephen Knipe who was supported by stewards John G Bannister and Roger Macey. Entertainment was provided by Bourne Borderers.

The tradition is more than 280 years old. Photo: Charles Sentance
The tradition is more than 280 years old. Photo: Charles Sentance
Vito the Basset Hound meets one of the Bourne Borderers. Photo: Charles Sentance
Vito the Basset Hound meets one of the Bourne Borderers. Photo: Charles Sentance
Bourne Borderers in action. Photo: Charles Sentance
Bourne Borderers in action. Photo: Charles Sentance
JG Bannister, Richard Bennett, Roger Macey and auctioneer Stephen Knipe. Photo: Charles Sentance
JG Bannister, Richard Bennett, Roger Macey and auctioneer Stephen Knipe. Photo: Charles Sentance

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