The second Saturday in September in Sutton was as hot as they come – and everyone at the CP charity auction was hot for a lot! Says branch fundraiser Bridget Harper: “We raised a little under £4,000 - and the hire of the room was fully covered with a bit more besides by stallholders and donations from Ashwood Vets and Pet Plan.

“Forty keen bidders registered, and patron Danny Kelly of WM and auctioneer Steven Iredale of Bamfords made the day so much fun – so its big-time thanks to them. For all the hard work behind the scenes it’s thanks to the branch’s small team of dedicated volunteers, and for all the lots given for free it’s ‘thanks a lot’ to 100 generous individuals, small and large local businesses, TV producers, celebrities and big business too – like Eurostar. The highest earning lot of the day was for a painting and decorating stint by Andy Harper which raised £160, closely followed by return tickets to Paris at £140, and a limited print by a local artist at £130.

Publicity Officer, Denise Atkins, ensured all the auction PR material was spot-on – so much so that everyone who came along was well impressed on the day. Says Denise: “Everyone who helped – from Alan Hillier drumming up custom on the bagpipes to Johnny Dean of Switch Radio who set up the sound system – our HUGE apurr-ciation. A great internal and external team effort – North Birmingham cats are lucky to have you all!”

Steven Iredale of Bamfords, CP auctioneer-of-the-day, and Bridget Harper, CP fundraiser/auction organiser, pictured with one of the lots donated. The limited-edition print, 'Whats the Catch' by renowned local artist Sue Howells, was 'won' by Branch Secretary Sheila Pennell, who bid £130.