Supporters, volunteers, local businesses and residents came together for an evening of fundraising and community spirit as Andover Trees United hosted its annual Auction of Promises.
Held at Wherwell Village Hall, the popular event raised £2,500 to support the charity’s Children’s Access to Nature programmes, with guests bidding on a wide range of donated experiences, gifts and locally sourced treats.
The funds will help support Andover Trees United’s growing programme of educational, wellbeing and conservation initiatives centred around The Diamond Woods. The charity works with children and young people across the Andover area, providing outdoor learning opportunities, conservation activities, partnerships with local schools and its annual graduate ecology internship.
The money raised will also help deliver the charity’s Tall Tales & Seasonal Stories sessions, led by storyteller Amanda Kane Smith, alongside holiday activities designed to encourage children to explore, learn and connect with nature.
Through its work, Andover Trees United aims to help children and young people build confidence, improve wellbeing, develop friendships and gain a greater appreciation of the natural environment, while inspiring the next generation to care for the planet.
Organisers described the evening as a tremendous success and praised the generosity of everyone involved.
They thanked everyone who donated auction lots, volunteered their time, attended the event, sponsored the fundraiser and supported the charity behind the scenes, saying the evening was a wonderful example of the local community coming together to support children, education, health, wellbeing and the environment.
Guests enjoyed a lively atmosphere throughout the evening, with a host of unique auction lots attracting enthusiastic bidding and plenty of bargains being snapped up.
Photographer Paul Bevan captured the evening, with organisers thanking him for producing a collection of images that reflected the warmth, generosity and community spirit of the event.
Looking ahead, Andover Trees United is inviting businesses and members of the community to become involved in its work through the Natural Business Network. The next evening networking event will take place at The Cabin in Harmony Woods, giving local organisations the opportunity to learn more about supporting environmental projects, education and community wellbeing.
The charity is also encouraging anyone interested in making a difference to consider volunteering, with volunteers playing a vital role in helping deliver its expanding range of projects and activities across the Andover area.