Mayor of Bishop Auckland Councillor Sam Zair has pledged to raise as much money as possible to help his chosen charities during his term of office. He has chosen a local charity the Angel Trust and a National charity The Alzheimer’s Society, who provide Dementia support to people both in our area and throughout the country.
Further donations have now been received by two generous benefactors. Sam has been gifted a fantastic framed piece of artwork called ‘Little Treasures’, by acclaimed local artist John Smith from House of Smudge in Fore Bondgate Bishop Auckland which retails at over £300.
Myra Smith, Manager of House of Smudge said “We are thrilled to be helping Sam with his fundraising efforts, as we are wholeheartedly delighted at how House of Smudge has been received during our 6 years of trading on Fore Bondgate and it been a pleasure to see the joy which John’s paintings have brought to so many people”.
Sam Zair Mayor of Bishop Auckland said he was speechless when asked to go to House of Smudge to be presented with one of John’s wonderful paintings. “Once again, I cannot thank people and businesses in Bishop Auckland enough for their generosity and kindness in helping my fundraising efforts”.
The Mayor wrote to Manchester United football club due to the long association with Bishop Auckland regarding the fund-raising efforts and has been gifted a signed football in a presentation box with certificate of authentication. Upon hearing of the donation two pieces of local football memorabilia have also been donated. Frank Clark a former player at Newcastle United has given an autographed book. Local historian John Phelan has also donated his book.
Mayor Zair said: “The Football has created quite a stir and had the pleasure of visiting the 2nd Bishop Auckland Cubs before Christmas to explain his role as Mayor and upon discussing his charity fundraising mentioning the football the children were keen to see it on its arrival.
“The excitement of the youngsters was infectious therefore I popped in to one of their sessions. They were thrilled that we now have the football and were first to see it. They loved spotting the signatures of some of their sporting heroes”.
Raffle tickets for both prizes are being sold at both the Bishop Auckland Town Council Offices in Kingsway and other venues around the town.
The raffle for the football will be drawn on the 11th April 2024 at Heritage Park as part of the 70th Anniversary celebrations of the 1954 Cup Final at Wembley Stadium of Bishop Auckland Vs. Crook Town.
The raffle for the art work priced at £5 per ticket, will be drawn at the Mayor’s Irish night on 15 March 2024 at Bishop Auckland Rugby Club.
