Archive Article: 1997/03/07
MONEY flowed in for Wiltshire air ambulance after 200 people, mainly farmers, enjoyed a roast beef dinner and lively entertainment in Frome market hall.
The climax of the evening was the auction of goods and promises. Among the opportunities offered was the unusual one of de-bearding a farmer – well, two farmers and a landscape gardener to be precise.
"The auctioneers did a fantastic job to sell over 70 lots and then auction the first cut of our beards," said Cloford, dairy farmer Clive Vincent, who with Geoff Sheppard of Witham Friary and John White of Corsley (L to R) put himself at the mercy of any fast-bidding would-be barber.
"Before the event we had raised around £10,000 for the air ambulance," said Clive, who explains that the ambulance operates in their part of Somerset as well as Wiltshire. "We were confident of finishing the evening with about £12,000 on our very large barometer." But they did even better than that and Messrs Vincent, White and Sheppard have now presented a cheque for £16,000 to the air ambulance.
The Big Shave, as they dubbed their stunt, was captured on film and now features in a video of the fun evening, the sale of which is raising even more money for the air ambulance.