Handbags go under the hammer for local hospices

A SALE of high-profile handbags – including signed bags from Kim Wilde and Elizabeth Hurley – raised £2,500 for two local charities.

The Handbags for Hospices auction at Lavant House School, which included items donated by Observer readers, was held on Thursday, June 20, to raise funds for St Wilfrid’s Hospice in Chichester and Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice near Arundel.

“A great evening at Lavant House Girls School,” posted the organisers on their Facebook page. “A massive thank you to everyone that came down and bought bags. And all those that donated and the brilliant Mark Hewitt, our auctioneer, and Peter, our photographer, and, last but not least, the fabulous Dawn Gracie who held it all together!”

Items under the hammer included a 1940s ostrich skin bag, a satchel from Whistles, an Orla Kiely bag, and a Nicole Farhi shopper in emerald suede. Prices started at just £10 per bag, and 64 out of the 81 bags available were sold, including a Mulberry Del Ray bag.

Readers donated dozens of bags after a donation bin was placed in reception at the Observer offices in Unicorn House, Eastgate Square, Chichester. You can still donate bags at the our offices – these will go to the next Handbags for Hospices event.