ITEMS previously owned by a Herefordshire actor are to be sold at auction tonight (Wednesday).
John Challis, who lived in Wigmore, near Ludlow, was famous for playing the role of Boycie in iconic British sitcom, Only Fools and Horses. His Wigmore Abbey home was also the setting for the spinoff, The Green Green Grass which featured Boycie adapting to life in the countryside after moving from London.
At 7.45pm, an online auction will be held on the Only Fools and Horses Social group on Facebook. It will feature seven lots, donated by Mr Challis' wife Carol, including theatre scripts and photographs signed by the actor.
Money raised will be going towards Cuan Wildlife Rescue, a Shropshire charity dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of sick, injured and orphaned wild animals and birds.
"Normally, two charities are selected - one by the group's supporters and the other by a cast member," said Edwin "Trotter" Morris, who runs the social group alongside Alan Garland, Steven Whitlock, Sarah Whitlock and Simon Viner.
"In previous auctions, we’ve raised money for John’s other charities and also for Sir David Jason, Sue Holderness and other cast members for various charities.
"Charity auctions started in lockdown 2020 as I wanted to try and help in some way with the nation being in not such a great place, so thought why not combine my love of Only Fools and Horses and hold an auction.
"I had some items that I would be happy to donate so that’s how the first one started.
"The one tonight is in memory of the late, great John Challis and is for Cuan wildlife. John was a patron there and a great supporter of the charity.
"Normally items get donated by group members and cast members from replica memorabilia to signed pictures from the iconic show."
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