TEESDALE’S largest car boot sale returns this month after being cancelled for the past two years because of the pandemic.
Started almost three decades ago, Thwaite Hall car boot sale has become a highlight on the dale calendar and attracts about 100 sellers.
It is also the main fundraising event for Startforth’s Holy Trinity Church.
The annual event was started by Irene Suckler, a member of the church choir.
Church treasurer Colin Clarke said: “She lived at the hall and was moving, so she had a lot of stuff to sell. She organised the car boot to raise money for the church.”
A little more than a dozen sellers attended the inaugural event.
Coincidently, Keith and Audrey Wickham, from Sunderland, were cycling past on the day and decided to stop in.
Mr Clarke said: “They saw the hall was for sale and decided to buy it. It was an expensive car boot [for them].
“Ever since then they have let us have the car boot sale there. Keith and Audrey are very supportive and they have the grass cut back for us.”
The car boot sale has expanded so much over the years, that a kind-hearted neighbouring farmer offered up one of his fields to accommodate the growing number of sellers and visitors.
Mr Clarke said: “We have just about everything – crafts, tombola – the tea tent does very well.
“It is our main fundraiser. We do have other things, but this is our big one. it usually makes about £2,000.
“It has gradually built up – at one time we made nearly £3,000. It is just to keep the church open really.”
He added: “We have a quintennial inspection every five years and that is coming up pretty soon. It usually means a bit of work has to be done.”
A previous inspection about ten years ago found problems with the church spire, which took a huge fundraising effort to cover the £20,000 repair bill.
Mr Clarke said the church, which was built in the 1860s on the site of a previous church, continued to be well supported.
He added: “We have a benefice service and there is usually 30 or so people, but the Startforth congregation is ten or 12. We also have an all-age worship with activities for children on the first Sunday of the month.”
Thwaite Hall car boot sale, near Cotherstone, takes place on the bank holiday Monday, August 29.
Mr Clarke said: “There is ample parking and plenty of bargains. It is always a nice atmosphere in beautiful surroundings. As usual there will be a refreshment tent where people can sample some home baking.”
