Exactly 100 years since the inaugural board meeting of Harrison & Hetherington’s Auction Marts Ltd in February 1925,the company celebrated the significant milestone with a grand black-tie gala evening.
The event, held in the Show Hall at Borderway, welcomed over 350 guests, including current and former staff and members of the wider rural community.
Scott Donaldson managing director of Harrison & Hetherington opened the evening, setting the stage for an unforgettable celebration, compered by BBC Farming Today presenter, Cumbria’s Caz Graham. A highlight of the night was the surprise act – the Secret Opera Singers.
Renowned Harrison & Hetherington auctioneer Glyn Lucas led the live charity auction, featuring a range of items from lambs and fertiliser to luxury holidays.
A standout moment of the auction was the sale of the No.1 signed print from the specially commissioned 100th-anniversary painting by artist Kate Simpson, which achieved £800.
In total, the auction and fundraising efforts on the evening raised almost £14,000 for the group’s chosen charities.
Steve Pattinson, H&H Group non-executive director said: “This evening was a fitting tribute to the incredible legacy of Harrison & Hetherington.
“For a century, we have stood at the heart of the agricultural community, and this celebration was a testament to the strength of our people, our customers, and our shared history. The generosity shown through the charity auction was truly humbling, and I have no doubt that the next 100 years will be just as remarkable.”
