Mark Stacey is well known for his many appearances on UK antiques programmes such as Bargain Hunt, Flog It and Antiques Road Trip.

On hearing of the Dénia U3A’s events to raise funds for the residential children’s care home in Las Rotas (our ‘Good Cause’) Mark agreed to offer his assistance during one of his visits to this area.

In the 25 years since he turned to the antiques trade, Mark has worked for some prestigious auction houses including Bonhams as a general valuer and regional representative, and Sotheby’s, where he began specialising in the ceramics department.

Nowadays Mark works for himself as an independent valuer and auctioneer.  When he’s not busy at Flog It valuation days, Mark enjoys throwing a party at home, especially since he has improved his cooking skills with the help of his Spanish partner.  He also regularly takes part in fundraising work for a number of charities.

U3A Dénia adopted the children’s care home in Dénia as our ‘good cause’ and a group of volunteers was formed who were willing to decorate the home. The volunteers held their first meeting on Wednesday 16th November 2011 to decide on a plan of action. They visited the home and met the lady in charge, Pilar, who was delighted to show them round and to see where they could help.  Apart from spending every weekend for 4 months decorating every room in the home – through the generosity of our members, we have been able to treat the children to a family day out every summer as well as buying special Christmas presents for each of the 25+ resident children in the home.

Mark and his partner Santiago have agreed to hold a valuation event on 8th or 9th November where members of the public as well as U3A members can receive a valuation on their antiques and collectables for a small fee which will be allocated to the children’s fund.  If you would like to have your photograph taken with Mark during the valuation then please just drop a further small donation in the bucket.

The event will be held in the upstairs function room at Café Amazing, Marquis de Campo, Dénia on Tuesday 8th November (and possibly Wednesday 9th November).  We ask that you do not bring large items of furniture etc. as the venue is just not suitable for such items.

The event will commence at 10.00am with Mark giving a 30 minute presentation detailing his expertise in the antique industry and giving a talk about a couple of specific antiques.  Tea, coffee, drinks and snacks will be available for purchase from the bar throughout the day.

The price for a valuation will be €5.00 for a maximum of 2 items.  Any further items you will need to make an additional reservation.  That price will include entry to the presentation at the beginning of the day.  Entrance to the presentation only is open to all on the understanding that a donation will be made which all goes to our ‘good cause’ to purchase Christmas presents for every child at the home which will be handed out by our very own Papa Noel.

The event will last all day from 10.00am to 6.00pm, with a break for lunch 1.00pm to 2.00pm, so you will be allocated a time slot.  You will be welcome to come along to the introductory presentation at 10.00am and then return during the day depending when your time slot is.

If you would like to register for this event please email:  pamrowlinson@gmail.com and you will receive an email containing your booking reference.

Thank you for your support.