Hucclecote Street Auction

Many of us live on estates like this one all over the United Kingdom.

And although we live close to one another,

we never really get to know our neighbour.

Well, today, for this street,

all of that is going to change because the whole community

is coming together for one massive fundraising street party.

And it's all for an incredible local couple

that do so much for others.

Without people like Chris and Steve,

we just wouldn't be able to fundraise. They're amazing.

They do things that keep it going for the rest of us.

It's their way of giving back.

If you've got a positive mind, you can do anything.

They carry on helping despite their own struggles.

First, pioneering heart transplant.

It was a do or die situation.

So poorly, weren't you?

You can never be anything but forever grateful to the donor.

And now, there's more devastating news.

Steve needs a new kidney

and this time the donor is a lot closer to home.

Most of the family were tested but Mum is a match.

She's given him the ultimate gift, hasn't she?

She's a bit of a hero, really.

We'll be relying on the generosity of their neighbours

to raise the £900 we need to buy them a unique present.

That is brilliant, are you giving us that?

You collect die-cast vehicles!

This street party is for them.

And the great thing is they have not got a clue.

And how will they react when they find out it's all for them?

All of this is for you. This is your party.

Today we're in Hucclecote,

a village that grew up on the Roman road

between Cirencester and Gloucester.

These days, many of its 10,000 residents work in the city

a few miles away, but it's also home to a number of retirees,

like Chris and Steve Sire.

They know that we're in the neighbourhood raising money

to say a big thank you to a local unsung hero.

But they're completely unaware that all of this is for them.

Chris and Steve met when they began working in their first jobs.

And now they've been married for more than 52 years.

She was the young lady that kept walking up and down the corridor.

-And caught my eye.

-HE LAUGHS

-Once we met up, we clicked, didn't we?

-Yeah.

-Yeah.

Dad's very soft and very gentle.

I think Mum's, she's the one that drives them forwards.

They're just...perfect, I've got perfect parents.

Son Tim and daughter Claire were born just 18 months apart,

a few years into the marriage.

And the family enjoyed a happy life together

right up until the start of the New Year of 1984.

I came home, I said to Chris, "I don't feel too good,

"I reckon I've got the flu coming or something."

But it soon became apparent this is not just the flu.

There was something seriously wrong with Steve's heart.

And we went to see the consultant in the hospital.

And he said, "Well, Mrs Sire,

"you do realise that the probability of you taking

"your husband out of this hospital in anything other than

"a black bag is unlikely."

It was a do or die situation, so they had to do it,

he had no other option.

And there he was. You were so poorly, weren't you?

After six weeks of Steve's life hanging in the balance,

a decision was made.

He was to become only the 87th person in the UK

to have a heart transplant.

You can never be anything but forever grateful to the donor.

I think you feel like that for evermore.

For Steve, it was a second chance at life.

We decided that we'd try and do something to put something back

into the system.

As soon as he became fit, he started running, he started biking.

It's their way of giving back.

The couple threw themselves into raising money and awareness

for the work of the British Heart Foundation.

The Cheltenham branch has probably raised something like

£1.7 million over the 30 years.

It's all in your mind, if you've got a positive mind,

you can do anything.

Steve's heart has now been beating longer than almost all other

heart transplant patients in the country.

But he's now facing more surgery, he needs a new kidney.

Dad would never have got a kidney through normal kidney donation,

through an unknown donor,

because of his age and all those sort of underlying factors.

So most of the family were tested but Mum is a match.

She's a bit of a hero, isn't she?

One of the nurses said to me, in Southmead, she said,

"How can you say thank you to her?"

I said, "Well, I shall have to go on loving her for evermore, won't I?"

Chris and Steve's operation is happening just 10 days before

our street auction so we don't actually know if they'll be

well enough to join in.

But we're hoping they will be there because we've arranged

a unique and very personal gift to mark the occasion.

A sculpture commissioned just for them.

We've arranged another treat for them too,

a meal in a fancy local restaurant for when they're fully recovered.

But to raise the £900 we need, we're going to have to work hard.

We're asking everybody in this neighbourhood to donate

unwanted and unloved items so we can sell them at our street party

on the bric-a-brac stalls and on the pop-up rostrum.

And if we find anything really special,

we'll send it off to an auction house to try for the big bucks.

It's a good job I'm not alone doing this.

I've asked toy expert and auctioneer Tim Weeks to give me a hand.

-Good morning, Tim.

-How you doing?

-I'm very well, thank you.

-We've got our work cut out today.

-I'm pumped up, ready to go.

We're going to knock on all these doors in this neighbourhood.

Because we're helping out a great couple, Stephen and Chris,

and Stephen has gone through so much in his life.

He had a heart transplant in the '80s,

-very successful but now he needs a kidney transplant.

-Oh, no.

-And guess who's going to give him the kidney transplant?

-Go on.

-His wife, Chris.

-Really? His wife?

-Yeah, I know.

-Whoa.

-That's love.

-Yeah!

So we've got to help them because despite all of that, they carry on

doing so much work around here in this community helping others.

-That's why we're here.

-Shall we go this way and that way?

'So, there's no time to lose.

'The people of Hucclecote, what have you got for us?'

-It's certainly peaceful around here.

-I love the signs they've got.

So quiet, isn't it? You notice anything that moves in the street.

In fact, the only noise I can hear is us!

'But hang on, I think there's signs of life up ahead.'

-Good morning.

-Good morning to you.

-Hello, there.

-Are you, you're not looking for antiques, are you?

-Well, anything.

I'm looking for anything right now. Anything that makes money.

-My other half in here, you can have her, she's antique.

-Is she?

At least the locals have a cracking sense of humour.

Alan's delightful wife Sue has found something for me.

-It is an old picture.

-It's massive, isn't it?

-Somebody like might like it.

-Yeah.

-That's what we call a furnishing picture.

-Yeah.

-Because it fills a big wall.

-It does.

-It does, doesn't it?

Well, thank you very much.

Well, that's the first item of the day, a big, bold floral print.

That's sure to make us a few pounds on the bric-a-brac stall.

And Sue's going to try and find something

for our street auction too.

Talking of streets, it looks like Tim's stopping cars now.

-She lives up the road.

-OK, I'll meet you at the shops.

-OK.

-Let's go!

Yes!

They're up for it, I can tell, this is going to be great.

So let's go see what they can find.

That sounds promising from friends Sophie and Sophie.

Shame they didn't give you a lift, though, Tim!

I'm taking a more leisurely walk down to John's tool shed.

I can open these drawers, there is... It's awful.

-Do you want me to give you a hand?

-Which one... This one...

-Gosh!

THEY LAUGH

Does it take this long with all your customers?

God, he's a genius, this lad.

-Thanks, John!

-There we are.

-There they are.

There's a few there, look.

'These beechwood moulding planes were made to create

'the decorative profiles found in furniture and picture frames.

'They may be old tech but they're still used by cabinet makers

'and furniture restorers today.'

We'll have the mice droppings!

'I think John's planes could make us £10-£15 on the bric-a-brac stall.'

-The boss is back.

-Oh, the boss is here!

Just going to wash my hands, get the mouse droppings off.

We're knocking on doors asking people to donate

unwanted and unloved items.

Oh, the one you'll do with Paul Martin?

-That's right.

-This is him.

-This is me!

-Oh, you are Paul!

-Yeah!

I didn't recognise you.

He's more handsome, I think, really.

He's a handsome man, isn't he?

THEY LAUGH

'Right, moving on!

'It looks like Tim's finally caught up with Sophie and Sophie.'

So, I know you mentioned a flat tyre, I can see that at the front,

but overall, that is in pretty good nick.

-You've hardly got on this at all, have you?

-No.

-How old is it?

-It's not that old at all, over a year old, I think.

-Well done.

-Thank you so much.

-And it's going to a good cause.

-Absolutely.

It all works.

Now, I'm really cheeky, so that's really generous of you.

But what else have you got?

Well, you've got to give Tim credit,

he's working hard for these donations.

Something that could be interesting here.

-Yes!

-Can you believe that?

-It lights up, it looks fab.

-I want that.

-You can have that.

-Can I?

-Yes, you can have that.

-Fantastic. How does the song go?

# We're walking in the air... #

Perfect! There we go.

And that's music to my ears, much like this.

-My name's Joy.

-Joy, pleased to meet you, Joy.

That's a great name because you're bringing me happiness and joy.

-I've got this very old sewing machine.

-Oh, is it a Singer?

It's a Frister Rossmann. It's very old, almost antique.

'Well, it's not quite 100 years old but it's definitely getting there.

'This model could be pre-1920s,

'and is made by the European rival

'to the American sewing machine giant Singer.'

And it actually does work. I think if I pull this out, sorry.

-It actually does work. It's very antiquey.

-Oh, brilliant.

I like the fact that the case, look, has been made by craftsmen as well.

Its box. You can see that, it's got a quarter veneer walnut on the top.

-But look at all this, this inlay.

-What do they call that?

-It's like a Tunbridge.

-It's not marquetry?

It is marquetry, yes, you're right.

But because it's geometric, you could also call it parquetry.

It might be worth getting the experts at the sale room

to take a look at this.

Rare sewing machines are collectable.

Now, it looks like Tim's stumbled on a garden clear out.

He's bagged a full patio set there.

New, this would cost at least £100.

And it looks like Nigel is wanting his garage cleared too.

So, what's the deal, before I look and get too excited,

-anything and everything is up for grabs?

-Take anything you like.

I can have a good old rummage through. Can I get stuck in?

-Yes.

-OK. Let's see what we've got.

-Can I go back to where I was?

-You just want to leave me? And I can take whatever I want?

-Yes.

-And I'm not going to get in trouble if this is empty?

-No, no.

-I want it empty.

-Thank you so much. What a star.

-I'll be around.

Thank you. All the best. Cheers, sir.

That's great, it's my dream come true, free rein,

get what I want, I'm on a winner here.

Tim's certainly getting quantity,

but it looks like he may have found some quality in there.

So, for me, it's in the style of an Ercol,

which is so in vogue at the moment. Everybody wants a bit of Ercol.

Which is something you might not be able to sell five years ago

but now everybody's looking for it.

It's a good time to sell Ercol so hopefully we'll find that as well,

people will see the style that this has got. It's a lovely size.

Really, really sweet chair.

These are definitely in vogue,

retro Scandinavian furniture is very much in demand.

A genuine Ercol stick back chair in good condition

would easily fetch £50,

but this one's not Ercol and it's got damage.

So I think this is destined for our bric-a-brac stall.

It might still get us a few pounds, though.

I'm absolutely filthy but I absolutely don't care because

I've hit the jackpot.

Tim's sitting pretty after that haul.

'But there's no time for me to sit down,

'I'm on my way to Chris and Steve's door.'

I don't want to blow this, I've got to get in there,

have a rummage in their house

and find out as much as I can about them as possible.

Basically, be nosy, but don't get caught out. So wish me luck.

MACHINERY WHIRRING

'It doesn't look like Steve's taking it easy today!'

-Good morning.

-Oh, good morning, it's Paul Martin from the BBC.

-Oh, hello!

-Hello there!

-Did you get a flyer through your door?

-We did, yeah.

Great. Have you got anything? What's your name, by the way?

-Chris.

-Chris.

-Steve.

Steve, thank you very much for helping out if you can.

We've got a 1964 kitchen table. Formica topped.

1964, how about that?

Is that because you know it's 1964? You bought it in 1964?

-It was a wedding present.

-That was the year we got married.

Was it a wedding present? I'd love that, because that's really retro and in vogue.

-Are you sure we can have your wedding present?

-Yes, yes!

-Who bought you that, then?

-Steve's grandparents.

'Well, they're certainly generous.

'Giving away a wedding present after 52 years.'

Comes complete with legs.

'A beechwood kitchen table with a Formica top.

'I'm going to pop this one onto my auction.

'I think I could get £30-£40 for this,

'maybe more if the right buyer is out there.'

-So, what do you do in your retirement?

-Fundraise.

-Oh, do you?

-For the local charity.

-James Hopkins Trust.

-I've not heard of that.

Oh, they give respite care to children under five that have got

-terminally ill, life-threatening...

-Oh, really?

..problems, health problems.

-So what do you do for them?

-Oh, anything.

-Make things?

-Fetes, those sort of things.

-Oh, right, I see.

-So you collect and stuff and do fundraising for them?

-Yeah, yeah.

-How long have you been doing that?

-On and off for 28 years.

-Blimey.

-Do you want another story?

-Go on, then.

-It's 32 years since I had a heart transplant.

-Really?

-Yeah.

-So that was right in the early days?

-1984.

-Not one of the first, were you?

-No, no, I was about...

-87.

-Number 87 at Harefield Hospital.

-Number 87!

-Something like that.

And on 2nd August, I get a new kidney from my dear wife.

-You've got kidney problems as well?

-Yeah.

-And you're donating a kidney?

-Yeah.

-Wow!

-On the 14th, when you're having...

-Having a street party.

We will have just come home from hospital,

that will be about our first, we will be out there with you.

Oh, thank you! Well, look, don't push it! I mean, crikey!

It gives us something to look forward to.

We're not allowed to hang around in bed, we've got to get up and walk!

Look, I'm going to have to leave you,

I've got lots of doors to knock on.

-I know you're really busy.

-That's OK.

Good luck with the operation. Good luck.

And if I do see you there, it'll be a lovely surprise for me.

Don't worry.

If we're home and we're well enough, we'll be out there, don't you worry.

Wow! Wow, what a happy guy!

And what a lovely couple, so in love with each other.

That's how every, every family should be, have parents like that.

Wow. Reminds me of my mum and dad,

but they didn't go through anything like that.

Looks well on it, doesn't he?

I didn't know what to expect when I knocked on the door. But...

Yeah, we've got to do this, we've got to do this for them.

And I know, I know, I just know we're going to get away with it

because they have no idea this is about them.

Now, while I'm in the neighbourhood, I'm going to pop round and visit

the local charity that Chris and Steve do so much for.

The James Hopkins Trust cares for children with life-shortening

or terminal illness, and they're reliant on volunteers.

Steve and Chris do things that keep it going for the rest of us,

and the families wouldn't be able to use it without people like them

putting their time and effort in.

It's an absolutely amazing organisation,

I didn't know anything about it till I had him.

But it's really been a great help and support for us.

He loves it here. It's amazing what they do.

As soon as we walk through the door, his legs start going,

he knows he's coming. Don't you?

Rhea, the volunteer coordinator, knows the couple well.

They help out with all of the events that we do.

They organise all of the donations that come in.

So, what do you know about Stephen's health?

I know that he needs a kidney transplant

-and I know that...

-Chris is the donor.

..Chris is donating that and I think that is just remarkable.

-Brilliant, isn't it?

-It's remarkable,

but they carry on regardless of this hell.

But they are dedicated couple, they really are.

The work that Chris, Steve and the other volunteers do here

is helping more than 90 local children and their families.

It's good to help people that are less fortunate.

There were times when he used to say,

"I'm so glad I've only had a heart transplant!"

But now the couple are facing another life-changing operation,

and that's happening just before our street auction

in a few weeks' time. So right now, we need to get busy.

Back on the street,

and it looks like Tim's got big ideas for a Mini motor.

Tell me about this, then, this is yours, obviously?

-This is my baby, my pride and joy.

-I can tell.

So, the reason I'm here today is we're trying to raise funds

for some very important people within this community

who live just around the corner.

What are the chances of you bringing this baby on the day?

From belonging to a part of the Gloucester Mini Owners Club...

-Really?

-We could have 10 there.

-Can you get 10?

-Well, I'll try my best.

-That would be amazing. Thank you.

So hopefully, there's going to be some vintage Minis

turning up on the day, that's going to be really, really cool.

Good job, Tim! Hopefully that'll get the crowds motoring in.

-Oh, are you an artist?

-Well...

-Oh, a dabbler.

I'm a dabbler, like so many people.

That is brilliant. Are you giving us that?

Well, actually, my husband bought it for me and I never...

I said, he has visions of me going out in the country.

You know what they call that, don't you?

-En plein air.

-Well...

-Painting en plein air.

-Right.

-Like Turner.

-All in my mind.

So pretty well it's brand-new, apart from the cobwebs.

Do you know what, it's in mint condition, isn't it?

-You're welcome to it.

-It's a collapsible easel.

-I know you like a bit of wood.

-I do and I love my easels as well

and I can see that's quality throughout.

You open that up, it extends, it's got a tripod base.

It's got space inside.

It's got space inside for all your brushes and watercolours.

Any budding artists would love to get their hands on that.

New, that would cost between £100 and £150.

A really generous donation, and that's not all.

Betty's also giving this print of 18th-century Gloucester.

It's local history, isn't it? So, you know, we need to sell it here.

-Right.

-Look, you've been really generous.

-No, that's fine.

-This, for me, today, is our star item.

-Right.

-Thank you.

-It's all down to you.

Well, that's some real quality for my line-up.

If Tim wants to catch up, he's going to need to get his skates on.

We'll have a proper look at this one.

I think Tim is gearing up for another garage clear out.

-OK.

-Well, the mountain board is good,

that'll retail at around £150 new.

But the jacket probably could've stayed on for that one, Tim!

Well, I've come to the right door here.

Michael's already found me two pieces of furniture.

A smoking cabinet and an Edwardian occasional table.

If you don't want these, we will take them from you.

'And he's got a stool in the shed I can take too.

'These three have got upcycling written all over them.'

Wow.

We can give this oak stool a new lease of life,

we can upcycle that, paint it a bright colour.

That just needs got gloss black, ebonising.

And then gilding on the top and rubbing back

so all of that impression, all of that cutaway comes out gold.

That will look great, and then varnish it.

And I think this in a kid's bedroom,

with this little rack here used as a book rack,

a nice shelf for kids' sized books,

and paint it a bright colour but then paint lots of flowers,

lots of big petals on it,

ladybirds and bumblebees and butterflies,

make it like a nature cabinet.

It will look brilliant.

Well, Tim's primed and ready again in front of a garage.

I've been going all over the area today, and I honestly,

I'm struggling to fit it into the van what people have donated,

they've been so generous. I'm missing an item of quality.

So I'm looking at you as the day is drawing to a close.

-Let's see.

-You can't have what's here.

OK, so I can't have this.

Is it a treasure chest? Oh, wow! Crikey.

No, Tim's not interested in motorbikes.

What Tim's really interested in is...

-HE GASPS

-You collect die-cast vehicles!

Yeah, I do.

Wow.

And do you have them out on display?

-Or are they all in there?

-No. They're in the house.

-Really?

This is the end of the day that Tim dreamt of.

And you're seriously willing to let me choose whichever one I want?

-Yeah.

-Really? What do you think I want?

Look right!

-What, the Wimpey?

-Yeah.

-Do you know what, that's too high.

-No, no, no, you can have the Wimpey.

-Are you sure?

-Yeah.

This is from Corgi's Building Britain series,

produced from the mid-1990s.

I think this truck is around ten years old.

It's limited edition and sought-after by collectors.

-Right, shall we go and grab the box?

-Yeah, sure thing.

-Lovely.

As with all collectables, packaging is a must.

And Tom's kept the boxes and the certificate for his collection.

What have you got? You've kept the corgi!

Another tick on the Corgi collectors' checklist,

this easy-to-lose figurine of the dog from the manufacturer's logo.

Thank you, Tom, and seriously, thank you so much.

That's a great find, right at the end of the day.

Time to add it to our other donations and see how we both fared.

Well, Tim, it's the end of the day, the van's been unpacked.

Your line is looking very healthy. A lot of quantity.

-You look at that line.

-I prefer your line to my line.

-A bit more quality.

Didn't do as well as you but I think monetary wise,

I think there's some potential here.

First on the list, a trio ripe for upcycling.

I've got a stool, a little tiny lamp table,

cum-jardiniere sort of holder,

and a little tiny cabinet.

They're all circa 1920, they're beechwood,

they've been stained black, ebonised,

but I think give them a pretty coat of paint,

and maybe feature a bit of detail, a bit of something interesting.

-It's what they need.

-Yes.

-That's going to be the one, isn't it?

-You've got a feeling for that.

-I have.

I think that's the easy one to sell but I think that one makes the most money.

Now, my star find has to be this easel.

It is new, it's brand-new.

But to buy something like that from an art stationery shop,

-you're looking at £100.

-Yeah, yeah.

And now Chris and Steve's kitchen table. A classic bit of retro.

1964, I can date that to 1964, not because I'm an expert!

Because Stephen and Chris got that as a wedding gift.

That's awesome, that's from them?

Now... Item to go off to the sale room.

I like it already.

It's not a Singer, but look at the top, it's inlaid, great cabinetry.

Just for the case.

And I think we put that into auction, let the auctioneer

do the work on that one and hopefully get in between 30 and £40.

-That's what I'm hoping. It is a collectable.

-Yeah, absolutely.

Talking of collectables, I've got something but I left it

-in the van because the rain's started.

-For the auction room?

Oh, it's got to be quite special

if it's hidden in the van out of the rain.

-This is a surprise.

-Are you ready?

-Is it big?

-It's quite big.

-Collectable's about that, isn't it?

-You've got it right, that would fit.

-How about that?

-Oh, well, you're the toy man!

-I know, I was so excited.

-I was shaking.

-And lorries make top money in toys.

-Spot-on.

It's the number one subject to get for die-cast.

I'm going to guide it 30 to 40.

-And let's see where that one can go.

-Who knows?

It could do 80 quid on a good day, if two people want it.

-That's it, you got it.

-Well done. Get it back in the van, keep it dry.

See? Got the right man for the job!

But I think, at the end of the day, looking at the lines,

I've got some quality there, you've got some quantity there.

-We call it a draw because you've worked just as hard as I have.

-You're right.

Come the day, come the hour,

when this community come together and we have more items to sell.

I think we are going to do it, you know,

everybody loves what this cause is all about. And you know what?

We've got to make this work because that couple are just fantastic

and I just hope they turn up.

I hope that operation is a success, nothing goes wrong,

and they turn up because they will have the surprise of a lifetime.

But will today's haul be enough to get us to our target?

Well, the waiting is over,

it's the morning of the auction and everyone's getting stuck in.

-Catch!

-Thank you.

Steve and Chris's neighbours are here to help too.

Everyone's playing their part.

It's OK, shall I just stand here for the day?

June's organising the bric-a-brac. Remember Joy?

She's at the cake stall.

Everywhere is looking fabulous.

But the best news is that Chris and Steve are safely back from hospital

and recuperating at home.

But will they be well enough to join us for their big surprise?

Good morning, everyone. Our volunteers.

This would not work without you.

Tim and I and the team can't do this by ourselves.

We're relying on you to have big smiles on your faces.

So who's doing teas, coffees and cakes? Grace?

You look like teas, coffees and cakes.

LAUGHTER

She does, doesn't she? Who else, who have you got helping you?

Karen, bric-a-brac, Peter, bric-a-brac, great.

Sarah, bric-a-brac.

OK, we don't want to be left with anything at the end of the day.

We don't want to go home with this bric-a-brac. Everything is pounds.

We have to keep it really quiet because they only live just there.

But we're hoping to raise £900 here today. That is a big ask.

But the community pulling together will make this work. £900.

-So, can we do this? ALL:

-Yes!

That's the spirit!

Chris and Steve's neighbours are all pulling together.

Providing everyone digs deep, maybe we can get there.

Tell you the truth,

I've got an appointment with a friend of mine

-to go and have a pint.

-Ohhh!

-I shall do that and we shall come back later.

-Come back a bit later.

John will be back, we can count on him. Now, look who's out and about.

This is my chance to see how Chris and Steve are doing.

But I've got to tread carefully, can't blow this now.

-You look familiar.

-I'm the lady who...you took the table off of.

Oh, yes!

The 1950s table, the Formica one. Was that yours?

-It's over there.

-That's it.

I remember now. I remember. I remember.

Are you helping us out today?

-You said you were going into...

-That's right.

-Did you go to hospital?

-I did.

-What did you have done?

I gave my husband a kidney.

Oh, yes, the penny's just dropped, I remember now.

-Is he still in hospital?

-Oh, he's gone!

-He was at the window.

-He's up and about already?

-He'll come out later.

-You're looking good.

-I feel absolutely fine. It's amazing, isn't it?

-Well, look.

-It's not even two weeks yet.

-Not even two weeks?

-Well, enjoy the day, won't you?

-Let's hope it's a success.

-Looks good, doesn't it?

-Well, it's starting to look all right.

But I do think we need more items.

Oh, I'll go and have a look.

-Go and have a look.

-I'll find you some stock.

-Oh, thank you.

-I think we got away with that. We got away with that?

-We did.

She's gone to look for more stuff.

And she's not alone.

The community are rallying round. Even more donations are coming in.

These ash and oak frame clocks

have been donated by someone on the street.

I hope they make £30-£40 on my pop-up auction.

'And neighbour Julia has outdone herself.'

Oh, wow!

Oh, that is fantastic.

Can I auction this off?

I'm going to stick this on the rostrum and I want to get

-between 20 and £30.

-Whatever you can get for it.

-Thank you so much.

I'm ever so excited now.

So, that'll join the other lots on my pop-up auction,

including these, our upcycling.

-Tim, I like this.

-I love it.

That's worked out well.

That's our little natural history cabinet

-for the bedroom for the youngster.

-It is.

-And our oak stool.

-With that lovely bleached top.

-Top looks much better, doesn't it?

-Yes.

I got all three of these pieces from Michael

and Irina has done a great job.

Well, £10, £10, £15. Hopefully.

So there you go, look, we've taken some furniture which was,

let's face it, not worth a lot of money, nobody wanted.

With a bit of TLC, we've rescued them.

Well, the auction lot table is looking fairly healthy,

but what we're really missing from this street auction is people!

Bidders! Remember Tim?

Talking to Dan from the local Mini club?

Well, they've brought their wheels and they've given me an idea.

We should make use of all of these Minis. I'm thinking about a convoy.

We want to see you!

Huge street auction and street party just around the corner.

We want to see all of you there. Come and join us!

Well, this estate's certainly not quiet with us around today.

But I think this is doing the trick.

We're like the Pied Pipers of Hucclecote.

And just look how many people have turned up!

It's time to get this party started.

-ALL:

-Five, four, three...

Tim! Good luck, it's now or never.

CHEERING Let's go.

This street is perfect for a party,

and everyone looks like they're in the mood for dancing.

But best of all, the good folk of Hucclecote are spending their money.

£10, sir. Thank you very much. That's great.

I hope you enjoy that, but be safe.

Ten seconds into the street party opening, so what a great start.

Ten seconds, £10 down. We're on it today. I've got a good feeling.

That is a great start but we've still a long way to go today.

But look - John's been true to his word.

He's back and he's brought us his old golf clubs.

-That's for us, is it, John?

-Yeah.

-You're not giving up, though, are you?

-No, I've got another set.

You've got another set.

It's all about teamwork, this.

I'm getting new stock in and Tim's busy selling.

-Has he paid yet?

-No.

Right, right. Stand back, stand back!

That'll be £10 then, please, sir.

-£10. Look, I got it. Thank you very much.

-Thank you.

That's really good of you. Enjoy that and enjoy the day.

That's another tenner closer to the target,

thanks to Betty's print of Gloucester.

And here's another person I met on the rummage day - Sue.

She's bought one of her own creations for us to sell.

It puts a smile on your face.

It really does put a smile on your face and that's what art should do.

'Sue's painted this charming Cornish seaside in watercolour.'

And I think...

-I think we could get £10 for that.

-Oh, that would be lovely.

Perhaps a little bit more on... You know, if everyone's keen to bid.

Look, I'm going to put that on the rostrum and thank you very much.

I'm going to say, "It's painted by a resident in this street and she's here so don't let us down."

OK? Thanks, Sue.

Tim's met a volunteer that truly appreciates the work

that Chris and Steve do - Sarah from the British Heart Foundation.

They're just incredible. So the stories...

You know, Steve's background,

what happened to Steve and the heart transplant, but also the fact

that as soon as that happened, they started fundraising for us.

Without people like Chris and Steve,

we just wouldn't be able to fundraise and fund the research

that we desperately need to do, so they're amazing.

We think they're amazing, too,

and that's why we need to hit our target. Time for a tally-up.

So, there's around £110 in there. That's brilliant. Right, thank you.

Keep up the good work. We've done about £35, £40.

-June?

-It's a sale of £50 for the table and chairs.

-You didn't, did you? Have you just bought them?

-Yeah.

£50? Shake my hand!

-Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you so much.

-Thank you.

90. OK, there's £100 in there.

Minus 30 for the float, that's 70.

So far, we're just shy of our halfway mark for that £900 target.

But not only that - Chris seems to have disappeared

and there's no sign of Steve.

I'm going to call their daughter, Claire.

-Hi, Claire, it's Paul. We're outside.

-'Oh, hi!'

Hello! I just wondered, how's it going in there?

-How's Mum and Dad?

-'They're fine.'

-They're fine?

-'Absolutely fine. No problem.'

That's good news, cos it means the operation was really successful.

'There is a couple of people out there

'that nearly dropped you in it in terms of the surprise, so, er...'

Thanks for that.

-'OK, thank you very much.'

-Bye-bye.

-'Cheers. Bye'.

Nearly got dropped in it!

We are close to the edge on this one. Really close to the edge.

We're not quite halfway there to get our total -

that's a little bit worrying.

And also, we may get rumbled!

Oh, dear! Oh, dear!

Well, we've no choice but to carry on.

It's time to pull out all the stops. It's time to shake...

..the bucket.

Any loose coppers?

Aw! Yay! Thank you so much.

-I'm collecting all the copper.

-Is it only copper?

-No, silver or pound coins!

-Oh, bless you. Thank you so much.

And while I'm collecting the last few pennies,

Tim's getting the last few pounds. He's just sold Paul's chair.

-A fiver'd be nice.

-What about... OK, six - meet in the middle.

-Six?

-Done.

-Done? Brilliant!

Right, who's got the money?

It's time to count up the money from today's party and see

how close we are to reaching that target.

But to get a head start, we already sent two of our favourite

items from the rummage day to Tom Keane's saleroom in Tetsworth.

First up is Tim's favourite Corgi truck.

We really liked the look of this

but Tom's but an estimate of just £10 to £20.

Hopefully, we'll get more than the estimate.

Is that worth £20 for it?

£10 for it? Ten bid. At ten, give me 12.

At £10 so far. Give me 12.

12 in, at 12. 15?

Do you want 18? 18's bid. Do you want 20?

20 bid. 22?

At £22 and going, a cheap lot.

£22, 888.

Well, it's beaten the estimate but it's still a disappointing start.

Let's hope Joy's Frister & Rossmann sewing machine will do better

for us. Its estimate is £20 to £30.

£20 for it? £20 for it?

20 bid. At £20, bid 22.

At £20, 22.

22. 25? 25.

28? At £25 bid, at £25...

Give me 28. At £25 so far.

It's sold at £25. All done at 25 and gone.

Slap bang in the middle of the estimate.

I really hoped for more from our two lots today.

So we've added £47 on today's total.

Yes, of £546.

-So I need to do £300 on the pop-up rostrum?

-Yes, please.

-OK.

'It's a lot to ask but if ever I needed a good luck charm to help,

'look who's made it out - just in the nick of time.'

OK, let's start with lot number one. We have the easel, showing here.

Look at this. This would retail at around £150,

so who is going to start me off with a bid of £30?

It's worth every single penny.

OK. Thank you, straight in. 30.

I have a bid of 30. 35.

I'm looking for 35. I will sell at 30.

Can you make it 35? Can you make one more? 35.

Thank you. £35. I love it!

He's bidding against himself because no-one else is bidding.

Going once, twice. Sold - £35. Thank you.

'Well, thank goodness for Claire's husband Nick.

'Let's hope we get a bit more interesting our upcycled pieces.'

So who's going to start me off with a bid of £5? £5 anywhere?

Five, straight in. Five. Is there six? Six, seven now.

£7? It's against you now.

Can I take 7? £7? Thank you.

£7 is with me.

Eight. Thank you! Yes!

There's a little eight coming in.

Go on, make it ten - I could put the hammer down.

£10 showing here now. £10 down the front.

Sold! £10.

I think that's yours, young man. Thank you.

That's going straight in the bedroom.

'Well, that's better.

'At least there's a few bids coming in,

'and the table goes for another tenner.'

Sold! Thank you, £10.

'Now, this is the test - will our younger audience

'like the look of our nature cabinet?'

It is really a natural history unit.

Look at that! It's full of bugs and caterpillars.

Who's going to start me off with a bid of a fiver? You will! Thank you.

Straight in, young man. Five. Do I see ten? Yes, ten.

Make it 15. £15.

Any further advances on 15?

Fair warning - I'm selling to this young man at £15.

Going once, twice.

Sold! £15. Well done.

'I hope he's got room in his bedroom for all this.

'Now, on to Chris and Steve's kitchen table, the wedding present.'

This stuff's all the range right now, it's en vogue.

It's really on trend. £10 anywhere?

Come on, a vintage Formica table.

£10. We need £10.

Five anywhere? Where are the bids?

£5 anywhere? Come on! £5, surely.

Come on, start me off with five.

I'll tell you what - we're going to come back to this one.

We're going to skip it but come back.

'That didn't go well.

'This is a tough crowd. Will Sue's painting get the bids coming in?'

It's a one-off. There isn't anything else like this - it's unique.

It's worth investing in. Thank you. £10. 10. 15 at the back.

Can I take 20 now? Thank you, £20.

25 now? Go on, one more. 25.

Thank you. £25. I'm selling at 25.

Sold! Thank you.

'Maybe this lot are finally getting warmed up,

'and a couple of last-minute donations sell well.

'£50 for these locally made clocks and another £30 for the camera.

'But what about Julia's cake?'

£5. I've got 5 now. I've got 10.

Can I take 15? Yes, 15, 20. 25.

Make it 25. Can you make it 21?

Make it 21! Thank you. £21. It's going once, twice.

Fair warning. Sold! £21. Thank you.

'This is a sweet deal. Keith's snapped it up!

'But the real icing on the cake

'would be to sell Chris and Steve's table. One more try.'

Come on, five anywhere? Thank you. Five.

Is there six? Can I take six? Come on, can I push this?

Six? Six. Five? Five now.

I've got £5 and I'll sell at 5.

Can I take ten? Six?

OK, six. I'll take six. Can I push you to seven now?

No, she says. No!

-Ten?

-Yeah!

-Ten? Thank you so much!

I like that. £10. Do you know what?

I'm going to sell it to you at £10. Sold!

'So that's Jess from the Lindy Hoppers,

'who's danced in at the last moment.

'That may have just made the difference.'

-Look!

-£905.

We've beat our target by £5 - hang on, hang on - and 17p.

It was that table. Oh, that was close! That was close!

-I don't ever want to be this close again.

-No.

'I can't believe it!

'We've made it. We've just hit the target we needed for the sculpture.

'Now it's time to reveal all to Chris and Steve.'

The moment you've all been waiting for!

We set out to have a target of £900.

That's what we wanted to raise here today with this street party.

It was close. It was close. We've worked hard.

You've all given plenty. And we managed to raise £905.17.

THEY CHEER We just did it! We just did it!

We reached our target and you lot, coming together as a community,

believed in this and you did it.

Now, it really is time for you to find out what this was all about,

because I know it's been the talk of the town.

You know, not one deserving person, an unsung hero, but it's two.

It's a fabulous couple who live in the heart of your community.

They work tirelessly and they've had to put up with

a lot but they still keep on giving - OK? - against the odds.

They are a special couple. Most of you know who they are.

They're now surrounded by family, friends and neighbours

and I have to say, I've met them and it's been an honour

and a real privilege to see and speak to them

now they're out of hospital.

Chris and Steve, all of this is for you. This is your party, OK?

It's a big thank you. CHEERING

It really is. Yeah, three cheers for Steve and Chris! Hip hip...

-CROWD:

-Hooray!

-Hip hip...

-Hooray!

-Hip hip...

-Hooray!

"Dear Steve and Chris, your neighbours, friends and family

"appreciate how much you do for our community

"and this is what today is all about.

"By way of saying thank you, we have commissioned an artist

"to create something that shows our thanks for what you do.

"And finally, when you're both fully recovered,

"we've arranged a meal for two for you to enjoy

"at a rather posh restaurant to celebrate your recovery!"

-Thank you very much!

-Do you know what? You look great!

-You look really good!

-I feel great!

Well, what can I say?

Just thank you. Some of the...

SHE MUTTERS

Some of the...

biggest, er, support and help I've had in my life

is all of my family - my wife, my daughter and son -

er...and an unknown donor,

who gave me a second-hand heart 32 years ago.

And my dear wife, who's just given me a kidney!

So, thanks, all, very much for coming.

-And carry on all your work, all your great charity work.

-Oh, we will!

-Yes, we will.

-No intention of giving up.

-A big round of applause.

It gives me goose bumps and they've fundraised so much.

I think it's fantastic that, at long last, we've been able to

show them how grateful we are for what they've done.

They're an inspiration.

There was a risk to both of them and, you know,

we didn't know what was going to happen.

I've never seen Dad like that before.

I've never seen him well up like that. Very, very few times.

So, yes, to see him like that, it's quite nice.

And I think for him to say thank you to Mum was good as well.

Very touching.

Wow! We just about got away with it and thank goodness Steve and Chris

didn't have a clue all of this was for them. And there they are, look,

being surrounded by friends and family.

Tears in their eyes. I knew...

I just knew, at the end of the day, it was going to be close.

I didn't realise we'd do it by about £5 or £6

but we just managed to get away with it!

I hope you've enjoyed today's show, cos we could be in your street

next time and this auction could be for you. Goodbye.

Chris and Steve haven't quite recovered enough to enjoy

their meal out yet, but they're both doing incredibly well

after their operations.

The couple's unique sculpture,

specially made from a cast of their hands,

is currently being finished at a glassworks in nearby Bristol.