Pontardawe Street Auction

Today, I'm in the Welsh Valleys,

an area renowned for its strong community spirit.

But that isn't always the case in our communities across the country,

as many of us don't know who our neighbours are.

Today, we're hoping to harness that great Welsh spirit into one big

street party, to celebrate one incredibly inspiring local woman.

She campaigns and fundraises to help others who find themselves

in a similar position...

I think Mel is fantastic, and we would be lost without her.

..after suffering a life-changing accident as a teenager.

She's a truly inspirational woman.

She's amazing, what she does. I think she's wonderful.

So we're throwing a street auction just for her.

We'll be putting in the legwork to find interesting items

that we can sell, and sharing some useful tips.

Japanese porcelain teacups -

these were made around the time of the Second World War.

How will she react when she realises it's all for her?

Today, we're searching for antiques and collectables in Pontardawe,

south Wales.

Set in the Swansea Valley, it's a town that was built around

the steel, tin and iron works.

Nowadays, the small town is home to around 7,000 people,

as well as serving as a hub for the surrounding villages,

and someone who is key to this community is Mel Davies.

Mel was adopted as a baby, and grew up in Port Talbot in south Wales.

I was horse crazy, so I was horse riding every time,

every opportunity I could get.

Loved dancing, discos, swimming, down the beach.

You name it, I did it.

Mel became an adventurous teenager, and loved riding on the back

of her boyfriend's motorbike.

We went to Porthcawl for the day, seaside there.

The sun was shining, so it was just going to be a great day out,

with no school and nothing to worry about - not a care in the world.

But that was all about to change.

We hit a bend in the road, and we were going too fast,

there was sand on the road. The bike went one way,

and I remember going flying through the air,

and then this thud when I just crashed to the ground.

People were screaming and running.

From that moment, Mel's life would never be the same.

Just numb. I didn't know where my legs were, where was my body?

I... I just...

I couldn't fathom what had happened.

Mel was rushed to hospital,

where surgeon Mike was the first to treat her.

It was bad news in a big, big way.

Mike had to tell Mel the life-changing news,

that at the age of 15, she wouldn't be able to walk again.

The moment he told me, erm, I honestly couldn't take it in.

I didn't want to show him that he'd just ruined my life

in telling me that. I didn't want to show him.

And I remember just one sort of tear coming down my face,

but I held it together until he left.

I'm getting emotional now.

Mel was paralysed from the chest down,

and faced the rest of her life in a wheelchair.

I'm not going to be able to feel the sand on my feet.

I'm not... How do I go to the toilet?

How...? How am I going...? I can't ride horses again.

I'll never dance again. And then it just comes in a wave.

What about all my friends? They're not going to want to know me.

My life is over.

My parents came in.

And they were rock-solid, absolutely rock-solid.

So I had to pull myself together for them.

Mel's strong spirit saw her through this toughest of times,

and she decided to spend the rest of her life campaigning

and helping others with similar disabilities.

She inspired me, to be honest with you,

because I could see a lady who'd obviously been hit hard by life.

And she didn't let it stop her.

Mel is raising money to build

a state-of-the-art rehabilitation centre.

So, to thank Mel for her tireless efforts,

we want to raise enough money to help pay for the landscaping.

The cost will be £1,000, and this is how we're going to raise it.

We've asked all the local people of Pontardawe, including Mel's friends,

family and neighbours, to donate any unwanted or unloved items they have

that's gathering dust, so we can sell them here at our street party

and pop-up auction, all the time keeping it a secret from Mel.

It's a massive task. I cannot do it by myself, so I drafted in the help

of a couple of friends who know what to look out for.

They arrived here a month ago to get it started.

Danny Sebastian's a trader who knows his treasure from his trash.

I love everything about it.

You want to be paying about £300 for it.

And Izzie Balmer is an auctioneer

with knowledge of all things antique.

£60 with you, sir, looking for five.

That big smile on your face!

What, are you feeling good about today or what?

Oh, definitely, Danny!

The clouds are looking a bit grey to me this morning.

They are a bit ominous, aren't they?

But I think we need to take a leaf out of Mel's book.

She's such a positive woman.

And I'm going to take some of that positive energy, and you know what?

It's going to be fine, come rain or shine, we're going to have

-a great day.

-You're going to work it today, are you?

I'm not going to just work it, Danny - I'm going to win!

Oh!

I like it. I do like a challenge!

I think on that note, we'd better start knocking some doors.

-I'm going this way.

-I'll go this way.

-Ciao!

-Bye!

Right, it's time to get going.

Danny and Izzie are in competition

to see who can uncover the best items.

If they can find anyone at home...

Looks like the reindeers are here.

-DOG BARKS

-Is that a friendly one?

But it's Danny who's off to a flying start.

Cheers, bye-bye.

We've got kids' toys in here, kids' clothes, and also jigsaw puzzles.

What a great start!

Izzie's still left out in the cold.

Please be in!

While Danny's trying out his language skills...

-Do you speak Welsh?

-Oh...

Whey aye! I don't speak...

Stop laughing, you!

"Whey aye" is Geordie. You're in Wales, Danny!

Oh, that's lovely!

We've got a couple of bits of brass.

Brass is made out of zinc and copper melted together,

and ornaments like this are still very popular today.

Attractive colour and affordable price.

If you find owt else, then you can always bring it on the day.

You're a good man. Thank you very much.

-Nice one!

-Cheerio.

-Cheerio for now!

That's a good few bits for the bric-a-brac.

Now, Izzie's at Merrick and Irene's house.

They've known Mel for many years through her charity work,

and have put aside a lot of things to donate.

Actually, I quite like these pieces.

-Yes.

-These are rather stylish, aren't they?

Unusual, aren't they? They don't hold a lot!

Well, I mean, a small portion of trifle, or something.

I quite like this little Wedgwood...

-Yeah. Yeah.

-..urn here.

Wedgwood is a British company founded in 1759,

and this little urn is an example of its most famous style of pottery -

Jasperware -

with an unglazed biscuit finish and designs depicting ancient cultures.

Loads of great stuff for the bric-a-brac, Izzie.

Mel's clearly well loved around here.

She's a leader, she's a driver, she's a shaker, she's a pusher.

-That's right.

-And she will keep going until she gets things done.

It sounds like Mel's very passionate

about the communities in south Wales.

She's very passionate about disabled people, and, you know,

helping them to get a better quality of life.

Yes, this...

The serious accident that she had, it really pushed her.

And marvellous woman, marvellous woman.

So, do you think the street party for Mel will be a big success

within the community?

Welsh people love a party, they love to get together.

And yes, they will support people who are trying to do their best

for the community. They will rally behind them.

And if that means a party as well, well, so much better!

So much better!

It sounds as if everyone is up for our street party. Great news!

It was a trip to America shortly after her accident

that really changed Mel's view of life in a wheelchair.

That really opened my eyes, because everywhere out there,

I was able to do things.

There were disabled toilets everywhere,

there were ramps in places.

It wasn't like it was in Wales or in the UK,

where I couldn't get anywhere.

Suddenly, there was this country which was free to me.

This experience inspired Mel to start her own charity, years later,

in 2001, with the aim of building a state-of-the-art rehabilitation

and fitness centre accessible to all, but focusing on the disabled.

The centre providing everything that we wanted to provide,

because we wanted to be world-class,

and we want to be able to fill every gap that currently exists.

The cost at the minute is £26 million.

Mel needed all the support she could get, so she got back in touch

with the surgeon who treated her 20 years ago,

and what happened next was the last thing anyone expected.

When Mel asked me to marry her, I thought that that was

a wonderful, wonderful thing to happen to me.

Mike means...

..the world to me.

But the bliss of newly-married life was short-lived,

when both of them received life-shattering news.

Mike was diagnosed with lymphoma and prostate cancer.

We do not have time for the interruption of having cancer.

It's an intrusion on our life.

We don't like it, we hate it, and we're going to beat it.

I have no words, I can't imagine life without him.

It would finish me.

I wouldn't be able to go on.

There was more bad news when Mel was diagnosed with breast cancer.

It would be a completely devastating day if I were to lose her.

Mel's been through so much.

We really need to pull out all the stops for her.

So, there's no time for distractions, Danny.

I've got to stop that! I've got some business to do!

They're absolutely lovely. Some of them have gone a little geisha

in them, like a little geisha girl in them.

-Yeah.

-There it is, yeah, a little geisha in it.

These are lithophane cups,

which were first created in the late 1800s.

They are an etched or moulded artwork in very thin,

translucent porcelain.

Thank you very much. You've been very, very generous.

-It's OK.

-Bye-bye.

-Bye-bye.

I've got some Japanese porcelain teacups.

These were made around the time of the Second World War.

These would have been bought by servicemen and brought back to

the UK to be given as gifts to their wives or sweethearts.

Great finds there, Danny.

But further up the street, has Izzie just missed out on some treasure?

I've just thrown a load of stuff out which I've got to take to the tip!

-And there was loads of CDs, and loads of things in there!

-Oh, no!

Izzie's never one to give up,

and doesn't leave Tracy's without a proper rummage.

-That's a guitar.

-Just take that whole bag.

Pop it in the pile. He is a bit damp, but he'll probably dry out.

We need to give him a nice little home.

-Have you thought of something else?

-Yes.

-I know what I can give you.

-Thank you.

I'll pop these on our pile.

I'm really excited, I don't know what she's going to bring,

but it sounds like it could be something quite good.

Fingers crossed, Izzie.

Now, Danny's found something with a bit of weight.

Yeah, it's very heavy.

-Cor, that's heavy!

-It is heavy!

Ugh! That is lovely! And in great condition.

One of the most well-known makers of art glass is British company

Thomas Webb And Sons, founded in 1859.

Some of their best pieces can sell for as much as £10,000.

We've only fell upon an SLR camera!

People do still like 35mms,

especially if it's got interchangeable lenses.

And before Danny can pack the van,

there's a couple of bikes to add to the haul.

This BMX, that's really my favourite. I've got a feeling

Paul might even like that to go on his pop-up auction.

I'd value them at maybe, you know,

I don't think we are too far out at probably £20 to £30 each.

You're right, that's a great item for my pop-up auction.

Now, what has Tracy found for Izzie?

-Hello.

-Only because you looked at the teddies.

-Oh!

-So these are the Harrods ones.

That's the only one without a tag.

But I've got about eight you can have if you want them.

-Yes, please.

-Right, OK.

-I would love them, thank you.

Teddy bears are very popular with collectors.

The most sought-after are made by Steiff,

and can make hundreds of pounds.

So if you have one in the back of your cupboard,

you may be in for a big surprise.

I hope everyone is as generous as you are.

-Yeah, good luck.

-Thank you. Bye-bye.

-Bye.

There are some great items here,

and they'll sell well on the bric-a-brac.

And this acoustic guitar should fetch at least £30

on the pop-up auction.

STRUMS A FEW NOTES

I think I'll leave it at that!

The community are really donating lots of great items for Mel.

She's an incredible strength,

and has inspired others in similar situations.

In 2000, she set up her own charity called Treat, which stands

for Treatment, Rehabilitation, Exercise And Therapy.

To see a strong woman like Mel herself coping, like,

and inspiring me as well, going around helping others, it made...

I probably wouldn't be still wanting to do sport now

if it wasn't for her.

She campaigns tirelessly to bring together disabled

and non-disabled communities.

She's amazing, what she does. I think she's wonderful.

She really is an inspiration.

She's an inspiration, not just to people with disabilities,

but to people who are able-bodied.

Mel's passion is to fulfil her American dream of building

a rehabilitation and fitness centre in south Wales,

accessible for the whole community.

It would make a huge difference to people who are in my situation.

Come on...

Mel won't give up until the centre is built.

We've come so far. It would be a shame, after 17 years of working,

it would be a shame to stop now, wouldn't it?

Time for Izzie to meet Mel,

who knows nothing about what we're up to.

Here goes.

Good luck.

Sort of trying to bring all the community together and fundraise.

Just wondered, we're doing it by sort of collecting items -

have you got anything you don't want that we could have?

-Yeah.

-You do?

-Yeah.

-Oh, brilliant.

Great work, Izzie - you're in!

Now, you've just got to get Mel on board.

So, you seem like you're very involved in the community -

do you do anything in particular?

Well, you know, we run a charity, so we're involved in the community,

constantly going out and about and talking to people about what we do.

And what is your charity?

It's a rehabilitation charity,

to help people who've been through accidents and illnesses.

I had a motorcycle accident when I was 15.

-When you were 15.

-Yeah, so I was paralysed then immediately.

And there was no rehabilitation back then.

That was 37 years ago.

And there's no good rehabilitation now.

And I've been campaigning all my life to try and change that.

We want to be a first in Wales to provide this facility,

-because nothing exists.

-You sound very passionate about it.

Oh, I'm extremely passionate about it, yeah, absolutely.

I know too many people who should be having support, and they aren't.

-How about that?

-What is it?

One Ospreys shirt, and it's signed by James Hook.

-That's incredible.

-Ospreys, Wales, British Lions.

Oh, thank you, that's really marvellous.

-Local lad as well, isn't he?

-Yep, yeah, Port Talbot.

-That will drum up a lot of interest, I'm sure.

-Oh, yes.

She hasn't got a clue, and let's hope it stays that way.

Over with Danny, and he's hit upon a generous neighbour.

I thought they'd be perfect.

-They're nice, what are...?

-They need cleaning up.

-When we moved in, they were on the wall.

-Yeah.

And...

They're quite nice. Are they plaster?

-Yeah.

-They're plaster, aren't they?

Plaster decoration was widely used in Europe from the mid-13th century,

and was widely influential in artistic movements

such as Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassicism.

I've got some other bits here, if you want them.

Oh! I knew I was going to hit the jackpot!

The paintbrushes and rollers are brand-new.

The whole box could be worth £50.

-Give us a hug, you! Thanks ever so much.

-You're welcome.

-Thank you.

-OK.

Back at Mel's, Mike has taken Izzie outside to see the bikes

they're donating, and reveals a slight problem

which could jeopardise all our plans.

-I am not a good liar.

-Oh, no!

I'll see if we can get her there with the stall on the day,

-and then have this big reveal.

-Yeah.

How do you think she's going to react when she finds out?

Er, she'll probably blow a fuse,

but I'll duck, because I'll be expecting it!

I'm just very aware of Mel,

so maybe we should go back inside so she doesn't get suspicious.

-OK.

-We've not had this conversation.

-No, no.

Oh, no, I'm really concerned that Mike will blow our cover.

I'd better get going and go and see some more houses that I can rummage.

-Absolutely.

-But looking forward to seeing you on the day.

-Yes, please.

-Us, too. Thank you.

-Thank you. Thank you very much.

What a lovely woman. She's even offered to help out on the day.

-Thank you, bye-bye.

-Bye.

-Bye-bye.

Back on the street, Danny's keeping up the pace.

Phew! That's enough of that!

Seems like hard work!

And Izzie's putting in extra legwork,

while Danny gets stopped in the street.

That's lovely. That's quite nice, isn't it?

See you shortly!

Tell you what, I'm doing so well.

Izzie, you'd better pull your socks up, girl,

because I've got a feeling I'm going to win today!

Don't rest on your laurels just yet, Danny.

This is going down to the wire, as the last few items come in.

Oh! Oh! We've got some stuff here!

-Like a glove!

-Like a glove?!

-Bye!

-Goodbye.

-Good luck.

-Thank you very much.

-OK. Bye.

And now it's time for Danny and Izzie

to see the fruits of their labour.

Talk me through some of your favourite pieces.

Erm, well, I...

We've got all these Harrods teddy bears, and a tea set there.

We've got the trifle bowls, which I just love the shape of them.

I tell you what, I do like this, er...

HE PLAYS A CHORD

-Bit of music.

-The strummer.

-We've got a nice tea set here as well.

-Yes. It's Royal Albert.

It was made in Sheffield, at the Albert Works, which was itself named

to commemorate the birth of Prince Albert in 1895.

Really popular pattern, see this time and again.

Really good find, Izzie, and that can go to the sale room

along with the other ceramics we found today. But what did Danny get?

There's kids' toys, there's books, there's lampshades,

there's a bit of brass, there's some upcycled tables,

there's a gaming chair. I've got a few pushbikes.

I've got a lovely cross-trainer machine, practically brand-new.

-You could do with that, Danny.

-Hey!

Fit as a fiddle, me, fit as a fiddle!

Nothing that's going to turn into millions, but...

-I like that glass bowl, though.

-Come and feel the weight of this.

Tell you what, I'm feeling a bit weak now - you pick it up.

I'm not sure about this, Danny.

-Oh, my God!

-Heavy lump, isn't it?

-That's really heavy!

-It's a heavy lump!

-Danny, I really like this.

-I thought you would.

-I love how it's kind of so simple but so stylish

-and such a statement piece, I think.

-Hit me.

-The yellow and the swirls.

-I love it!

-That's also one for the saleroom.

Now, Izzie's keen to show Danny her star find.

It's an Ospreys rugby shirt signed by James Hook.

International Welsh rugby player. Local to the area, a local boy.

-I tell you what, that's a good hit.

-I thought so, too.

But, never one to be outdone, what's Danny's star item?

De-de-de-de-de-de-de- de-de-de-de-de-de!

What do you think of that baby, then?

That looks great fun.

Well, I just... I mean, I quite like this BMX, it got donated.

And it's all there. It's ready to go.

You know, the tyres are good, the brakes are good.

It's got your trick stunts on it.

It's in good stead. The front wheel spins round.

-Lovely.

-Can you do that on the bike?

I can, but I'm not going to show off.

Well done, guys.

I want both your star items to go on my pop-up auction.

And along with a few of those teddy bears and the guitar,

I think we've got a great chance of making the total.

I suppose all that's left, really, is the upcycled items.

I'm just thinking of these pair of wallhangings,

these plaster wall hangings -

maybe somebody could jazz them up a little bit, paint them up, or...?

-Bring them into the modern day.

-Yeah.

Good idea. I can see those looking quite elegant once we clean them up.

It's a close call today,

but I think that signed rugby shirt's just clinched it.

Izzie, well done, give us your hand.

I tell you what, you've won that one, hands down.

Well, good luck on the day, Izzie.

I just hope we can keep this a secret till then.

You better had do!

Let's hope so!

It's the morning of the street auction,

and I can't do this all by myself.

Hello. Coming to make the tent look pretty.

So, luckily, Izzie and Danny are taking it in turns to help me,

and today, Izzie has volunteered.

We've got a lot of work to do,

getting everything organised...

..jazzing up the place...

..and I can't wait to get my hands on the rummage items.

Izzie, you and Danny didn't hang about, did you, on the rummage day?

We're surrounded by bikes. We could put Mike's on the rostrum.

-That one looks good.

-And then Danny was quite...

-BMX.

-Yes, he was really keen on that one.

Yeah, I think that's got to go under the hammer.

-The guitar?

-Yes.

HE PLAYS A FEW NOTES

It's a semiacoustic!

I think there's the potential of £30 to £50 under the hammer

with this. I'm going to sell this in the auction.

-That great. I like him.

-I like him.

-He's got...

He's got the classic look of an old teddy, hasn't he?

-Yes.

-Like a Merrythought or a Steiff.

We could put him under the hammer.

I don't think we go for one bear,

I think we do the classic three bears here, don't you?

And I think there might be 20 quid each.

I hope so. What do you think of these?

I kind of like them. I know...

They've got the look. They've got that sort of 1920s Deco look.

But they are moulded glass.

-Mm-hmm.

-I think we get top money on the bric-a-brac stall for this.

-OK. Also, this.

-I like that. That's going under the hammer.

Hopefully there's 50 quid there. It's starting to tot up, Izzie.

-That's a cracking good start.

-It sounds all right, doesn't it,

-actually?

-Yeah. And I know it's started raining.

It's under tarpaulin now, so let's keep it dry.

The rain is a worry, but they're an optimistic bunch around here.

I hope the same can be said for our volunteers, as we've got

a steep target of £1,000 to raise by the end of the day.

-Good morning, everyone.

-Good morning!

Izzie, well done, you got all the sashes on.

Thank you so much for turning up today.

Without you, this wouldn't be possible. Does anybody know Mel?

You do. Come on, sum her up, give us a few words on Mel.

Er... She's just an inspiration to us all.

-Yeah. Yeah.

-She's just amazing and everything she does is just

-from the heart.

-Well, she's a role models who goes above and beyond

helping others. Every penny we make is so important, OK,

we've got a big target to hit today.

-What's the community like, then? Are they generous?

-Yeah.

I moved here just over eight years ago,

and the community spirit here is magnificent.

Well, we need some of that Welsh spirit to get us through today.

And we've got it here, with Anthony and Lynn,

taking charge of the bric-a-brac stalls.

People gravitate towards you, they'll be spending £2 or £3 -

let them take whatever they want, OK?

What about teas and coffees?

-Brilliant. I'm relying on you.

-Absolutely.

Teas and coffees. How much will we make on teas and coffees?

Well, Jean has told me that they made £400 on teas and coffees

on an earlier event.

I feel like the bar's been set!

Well, there's still a few hours to go before we cut the ribbon.

There's lots to do, OK, so get stuck in, get to your stalls.

-Can we do this, everyone?

-Yes!

-Yes, of course we can!

Thank you!

It's great to see so many volunteers,

and even the donations are still coming in.

Have you just given up playing, then?

No, no, apparently, according to my wife,

you're only allowed to have a certain number of guitars,

-and I've reached that limit.

-How many guitars can a guy have?

-Too many.

-How many is that?

-Well, I said, if he gets rid of a guitar...

-30?

..I'll get rid of a spinning wheel!

So, you've come to an agreement.

-Yes.

-He's getting rid of a guitar...

-I had to get rid of this,

if he got rid of one of his guitars, yeah.

This is an electric guitar that copies the famous

Fender Stratocaster, designed in 1954 - and it's in mint condition.

The spinning wheel looks great, too.

Did you ever use it for winding on?

No, I've used it, it's really good, yeah. It does work, yes.

I've just got another one, I've got a slightly better one now, so...

Spinning wheels were thought to have been invented in India

and brought to Europe in the 13th century.

This one looks Edwardian to me, and is in such great condition,

I'm going to put it and the guitar on my pop-up rostrum.

Everything is beginning to come together,

and even Sue, a local artist, has turned up.

This is fantastic! I love the paints mounted to the bike.

I love it, I love your little basket with the brushes.

Yes, that's my spare paint there, you see.

The easel on the back of the bike rack.

Is this of our street party?

Yes, it's of the whole of this area, with the plants in the front.

Brilliant, so you kind of condensed it a bit. You're like Turner,

-you know, you're sort of bringing in things to...

-Definitely.

-..to help the picture work.

-Yeah.

OK. A bit of creative license there.

Will that be finished by about 3:30?

Fingers crossed.

-It's now 1:15.

-Fingers crossed.

-Fingers crossed.

Because I'd love to put that under the hammer -

if that's all right with you.

-If we could sell that in our auction.

-That is why I'm here.

That's the way I'm contributing.

Fantastic, give us a hug.

Brushes and all, look at that.

-OK, brilliant, I'll let you carry on.

-OK, thank you.

-Fantastic.

I really hope that will get done in time.

And that's not my only concern - there's no sign of Mel yet.

I hope she hasn't cottoned on and stayed away.

Fingers crossed she turns up soon.

The stage is almost set, with the final bits of preparation under way.

The band is sneaking in a quick band practice. I couldn't resist!

Well, it's nearly 1:30. I think it's all coming to place.

The stalls look really fab. They've really come together.

-They have.

-All the cakes, there's loads of stuff on the bric-a-brac...

Everyone has worked hard. It looks fantastic.

And the people of Pontardawe have turned out en masse.

Let's get this party started with a five, four, three, two, one!

Hurray!

It's a good start.

Izzie's already found a buyer for Danny's cross-trainer.

-So, are you tempted over this one?

-I am very tempted, yes.

We're asking 30, aren't we?

-I'm definitely going to accept the offer.

-Are you?

-I am, yeah.

-Oh, fantastic. That £30, then, thank you!

Thank you!

Great work, Izzie, and more donations are coming in.

I think that's really nice. And is that for us?

It is, yes.

A sewing machine converted into a lamp.

Can we put that in our auction?

You can, certainly, yes.

-Oh, thank you so much.

-You're welcome.

I like that trolley.

Well, I'm going to have to have that back,

because that's my husband's, for his ukulele.

Is he part of the band up there?

He is, yes. He's just there in the front.

Brilliant. Thank you very much. You're obviously here for the day.

-Yes.

-So, enjoy yourselves, won't you?

I'll wheel that down there, and he can have his trolley back.

The party is in full swing!

I'll show the youngsters how it's done!

Oh, no!

While Izzie's selling hard...

You know you want that, madam. It's only 50p!

And look who I've just spotted! Mel's here - that's a relief.

I'm keen to meet her.

I just have to be careful I don't give anything away.

-Hi, hello.

-Hello.

-Hi, what's going on here?

-Well, we're Treat charities.

-Oh, fantastic.

-Yeah!

And is this your charity? Is this something you've started?

Yeah - we're looking to build a rehabilitation centre

on the local hospital site in Morriston.

And we've been going for 16 years! Because it's a big, big project.

You've been battling this for 16 years?

To get this rehabilitation centre?

Yeah. Well, we're all battling together.

We've got a good team, and we're determined to make it happen.

And are you part of this community,

or have you moved from somewhere else, or...?

No, 13 years we've been here.

13 years. It's a good community, everyone pulls together,

and looks after each other?

Oh, yeah. It's Welsh, isn't it?

It's Welsh. Exactly. I love that spirit, that Celtic spirit!

-It's wonderful.

-That's it.

-Good luck.

-Thank you.

-I'll come and catch up with you later, anyway.

-Thanks a lot.

-But I've got to mingle,

-make sure people are spending money.

-OK!

What a wonderful lady.

We are definitely doing all this for the right person.

The stalls are selling well,

and Izzie's keeping a close eye on the teddies.

We've sold quite a few Harrods bears, which have gone beautifully.

Excellent. What's the most you've managed to get for one so far?

-£10.

-Perfect!

Time to check up on Sue and her painting.

-That's brilliant.

-Like I said, fingers crossed.

-Fingers crossed.

-Keep watching.

An hour to go. Well done.

I've got faith in you, Sue!

But it's not all going to plan.

There's a problem with one of our upcycled items.

Sadly...

A little accident's happened.

Yes, this morning, when we got it out of the van.

We'll just have to explain, when I'm on the rostrum,

-I shall sell them as a pair still...

-Yes.

And I shall say, "Look, a bit of plaster mixed up,

"push the two together and that will hold it, that will absorb it,

"an easy repair," because it will just go like that.

Well, they look a lot brighter now.

Yeah, they were in such a terrible state when we picked them up.

They've had to strip several layers of plaster off, strip them back,

painted them, and then they've used the gold to just pick out the

detailing here, which I think is really attractive.

I think £5 is a reasonable amount to ask.

If we get more, great, but because of the damage, £5.

-It's better than nothing, though, isn't it?

-It is.

I know Mike is a huge support to Mel, and I want to know how

she will react when she knows this is all for her.

She will be first of all gobsmacked.

-Yeah.

-And then she will be hunting me down.

Right, OK, blaming you, basically.

-Blaming me.

-For telling fibs.

-That's right.

-Yeah.

She won't expect anything for herself, will she?

I mean, this is going really towards her great love.

Basically, she would want any money that's coming not to be

personally for her, but to go to the charity.

Yeah. You're both champions, you know that.

You've both been through a lot.

-Indeed, yeah.

-But Mel's a real champion, isn't she?

-Oh, yes. Yeah.

-She's one in a million.

Quite right, quite right.

Thank you very much. Let's get back to the party.

We really want to try and sell everything to reach our target.

We need one last push.

There is now just ten minutes to go before we have to close the stalls.

Everything that is for sale in the stalls is now 50p!

Come on, ladies and gents!

Come on, lovely Welsh people of Pontardawe!

Look at all those flowers on the plant stall!

50p... £1, thank you very much.

The stalls are now officially closed,

so thank you so much for spending your money.

While the school choir keep the crowds occupied,

we're totting up today's takings.

Earlier, we sent two items to a sale room.

Auctioneer Stuart Maule gets the bidding under way

with our first lot.

The art glass bowl, estimate £20 to £30.

Nice bowl, this. And I can start the bidding at £20.

£20 starts the bidding.

20. 22. 25's with me.

25, 28, and 30 now.

32 takes my bid out at 32.

35 now.

At £35 on the net.

35, 38, do I see 40?

We're selling to the net, then, at £38, if we're all sure.

At £38...

That's an excellent start. £8 over the estimate.

Now for our mixed lot of ceramics, also with an estimate of £20-£30.

And I can open the bidding up at £20.

£20 starts the bidding.

28, it's jumped to on the net.

28. And 30, 32.

32, the net's running.

38 now. At 38.

Looking for 40. We're selling to the net at £40.

Going to Australia at £40, if we're all sure. At 40...

That's a good price. £10 over the top estimate.

The moment of truth - are we close to our £1,000 target?

Well, we've finished counting the money - what was the total, Izzie,

-from the stalls?

-We've made £700.

Yes! That's a lot more than I thought.

-Me also!

-That is brilliant!

The rummage finds that we sent off to the auction made £78, so...

-That's not too bad.

-778 quid so far -

it leaves us with £220 to make from the pop-up sale.

That is just about achievable, if everything goes.

But Paul, we have got a great crowd here, and they're still here.

As long as they buy, as long as they put their hands up and bid,

then we'll be all right. Come on.

Time for me to step up to the rostrum and get the good people

of Pontardawe bidding.

Ladies and gentlemen, thank you so much for turning up en masse today.

We are still short of our target, we need you now more than ever.

First up, our upcycled item does better than expected.

Let's open the bid with 3.

Thank you, 3. 4, can I take 5 now?

One more and it's yours. Thank you - 5

£5 is with me. 6 is with me now.

6, and I'm selling at 6, make no mistake, it's going once, twice,

fair warnings. Sold, thank you.

And the guitar Izzie found on the rummage hits the right note.

Thank you, 25, sir, right at the back.

£25 now, make it one more, go on, £30.

You're in. 30. It's against you now, sir,

I've got a bit of 30 in the front.

£30, sold. Thank you.

A brilliant price, and to think it was destined for the tip!

Now it's time to see what the BMX will fetch.

Yeah, thank you, 12 at the back.

It's against you. 15?

Yeah! Go on, one more. 15, thank you.

£15. Lady at the back, 18.

£20? Thank you, £20, it's against you, madam, at the back now.

I'm selling on a bid of £20.

Sold, £20.

Brilliant, and Mel and Mike's bike did even better.

Sold, thank you, £28.

We're on a roll. And the three bears did well.

£20 at the back, and I'm selling at 20.

It's going once, twice...

Sold, 20!

£14, fair warning...

Once, twice, sold!

And the final teddy bear, fair warning...

..sold, £18.

Making a total of £52.

The electric guitar donated today

strikes a chord with a local dignitary.

The mayor is in with £35, and I'm selling at £35.

It's going once, twice...

Sold to the mayor, thank you.

And the spinning wheel causes a stir.

We have a bid of 12. Can I make that 14 at the back?

Thank you, £14. Do I see any further advances on £14?

14, 15, thank you, 15.

16? Thank you. £17 now.

Is that a bid? 25, thank you.

£25. It's now against you, madam.

Ooh, she's getting upset. Ooh!

PAUL CHUCKLES

I have a bid of 25. Can I sell at 25?

It's going once, twice...

Sold, thank you! The sewing machine lamp, it sold in a flash.

16, thank you. You know it's a bargain, don't you?

£16. Going once, twice...

Sold. Thank you.

What a steal! Great for him, but not so great for our target.

We really need the last couple of items to do well.

Sue's painting draws in the bidders.

Thank you, sir, 22 at the back, straight up.

24. 26. 28?

One more - 28, thank you.

30. £30, it's against you.

35 now, 35.

Thank you. 40?

£40. 45?

Thank you, 45.

£45 once, twice...

..sold, thank you.

That was great.

Fantastic! Now for our final lot,

the signed rugby shirt donated by Mel and Mike.

Who's going to start me off with a maiden bid of just £25?

Come on, it's worth every penny.

25 now, 30.

£30, thank you, madam. Sitting down.

£30. 35, it's with you, sir.

35. 40. 40, one more...

40. 45?

And I'm selling at £45...

It's going once, twice...

..sold. Thank you.

That concludes our auction.

We can do no more. It's time to reveal

how much the good people of Pontardawe have raised.

Ladies and gentlemen, the moment you've been waiting for.

Today, we set out to raise a target of £1,000, and together,

a bit of people power, it nearly happened.

We didn't get £1,000.

-CROWD:

-Aww!

We smashed it!

We made £1,402!

The people of Pontardawe, you are fantastic!

Thank you so much!

Now, I expect you want to know what it's all about, don't you?

Well, many of you know that we've had to tell a few lies, a few fibs,

to get one certain person here,

who is a really big part of your community.

It's a she, and she is a mover and a shaker,

she's done so much for the people here,

tirelessly and effortlessly working hard and campaigning and fundraising

day in and day out, year after year,

and she hasn't got a clue all of this is for her.

She's done so much for this community

and the disabled community.

And I have to say, you, Mel Davies, are a real star.

You really are. All of this...

Come out here. All of this, my darling.

All of these people, Mel...

..are for you. Three cheers for Mel!

-Hip-hip...

-Hurray!

-Hip-hip...

-Hurray!

-Hip-hip...

-Hurray!

A real champion - you have done so much, we just want to say thank you,

-we love you.

-I'm stunned.

Where's Mike? Mike's been in on this,

he's been telling a few fibs to get you...

-Oh, I'll kill him!

-You're going to kill him. All right.

Not just yet - we need him to read this envelope out, come on.

There we are. It says...

"Dear Mel, we all think you are wonderful and want to show you

"how much we appreciate you and all you do.

"So the money we have raised today will go towards landscaping the

"garden at the Treat rehabilitation centre for everyone to enjoy.

"With much love from all your friends, family and neighbours."

There we go!

Yeah! Now, what do you say to that?

It's not often I'm speechless, right?

Erm... Hang on.

Oh, you're all bonkers, and I love you.

-I don't deserve this... I don't...

-Yes, you do.

I didn't have a clue. I didn't know that my husband could be...

..so deceitful.

I've been really looking forward to all afternoon to find out

-who this person is.

-It's you!

I can't... I can't thank you enough, I can't thank you for helping out.

Well, we can't thank you.

You've helped everybody in this community in some way or another,

-you know.

-I haven't done it yet, I haven't achieved what I want...

-You're getting there.

-Getting there.

Can I just say thank you? I don't know what else to say.

Well, these are for you. There you go.

-Big round of applause for Mel, everybody.

-Thank you.

Oh, she's...

She is amazing, because she's struggled with so much herself.

And she just keeps going. I don't know where she gets the energy from.

It's absolutely fabulous,

it's lovely to give back to somebody who gives so much to the community.

Aww!

She works tirelessly for Treat.

It's her life. Absolutely deserves it.

She's just an inspiration to us all, really,

and I think she's enjoyed today, as we all have.

What a lovely sight, Mel and Mike surrounded by friends,

family, and neighbours. We set out to raise £1,000,

and with the help of the community here, we smashed it!

That rehabilitation centre will get built.

I hope you enjoyed the show.

Keep watching, because the next time, we could be in your street,

and the auction could be for you.

Goodbye.

Since the street auction,

Mel continues to campaign, and hopes building work will begin

on the rehabilitation centre in a couple of years.