On 3 October 2024, from 7:00pm we will be auctioning the large hares and tortoises from The Short Tail Trail online.
This is a rare and unique opportunity to share in the legacy of the trail so please be as generous as you can when bidding. Proceeds from the auction will help towards the costs of £19,000 each day to run Keech Hospice Care, to help us continue making the difference when it matters the most to children and adults living with life-limiting conditions.
In 2021, The Big Trunk Trail raised an amazing £231,500 for Keech Hospice Care! This helped us to care for 1,847 adults and children and 742 relatives.
If you want to own one of the Short Tail Trail sculptures and share in the legacy, you can bid online, and place your bids ahead of the auction or on the night itself.
Telephone Bids can be placed between 9am and 9pm on Wednesday 2 October, and between 9am and the end of the online auction on Thursday 3 October. Call 07717 830365.
Auction FAQs
What size are the sculptures?
The large hare measures 1960mm tall, 510mm wide and 1100mm long. The sculpture weighs around 40kg.
The large tortoise measures 910mm tall, 1190mm wide and 1840mm long. The sculpture weighs around 50 kg.
What are the sculptures made from?
The sculptures are made from a mixture of class II fire retardant laminating resin and chopped roving fibreglass over an initial brushed – on layer of gel coat.
Is every sculpture unique?
Yes, each large sculpture has been individually created by a professional artist.
Can I preview the lots in person?
You can preview the auction lots on the trail and at the Farewell Weekend from Friday 27 to Sunday 29 September at Stockwood Discovery Centre in Luton.
How do I bid online?
Before the Auction
You will need to create an online bidding account with Wild in Art and register for The Short Tail Trial Auction – click here.
You will be able to have a look through the auction lots and choose the sculpture(s) that you would like to bid on.
Participating in the auction on 3 October is easy. Make sure you are registered and approved to bid in advance so that you are ready to go.
If you would like to place an online bid for in advance, just enter the maximum amount you would be happy to pay for the lot. Your bid will be automatically executed for you as other bidders bid against you. You will be notified by email if your bid is outbid. If you want to increase your bid just enter your new bid and click the bid button.
Bids placed online in advance of the auction will then be executed on the night as part of the live auction so don’t forget to log in and watch the action on the night. If you are outbid by a bidder in the room, you will be able to increase you online bid as part of the live bidding on the night.
During the Live Auction
Make sure you are logged in and ready to go before the auction starts.
When the auction starts you will be able to see a live stream of the auctioneer selling the lots as well as seeing a real-time feed of the current bid. When your lot comes up online, get ready to click the bid button! Auctions are fast paced so make sure you don’t miss out.
What is an Absentee Bid?
If you can’t attend the auction you can still take part in the bidding by completing the Bidder Registration and Absentee Bid form – coming soon. Please ensure this is returned to us at shorttailtrail@keech.org.uk at least 24 hours prior to the start of the auction.
You will need to pre-select which lots you would like to bid for and the amount you would like to bid. You will also be required to provide a copy of your passport/ driving license and proof of address. A member of the auction team will be authorised to bid on your behalf to your specified limit. If you are successful with your bid, you will be contacted after your chosen lot has closed to confirm your preferred payment method. Written bids will be executed at the lowest possible price.
Will you accept telephone bids?
We can facilitate telephone bids. Please complete the Bidder Registration and Absentee Bid form – coming soon. Please ensure this is returned to us at shorttailtrail@keech.org.uk at least 24 hours prior to the start of the auction.
Is my successful bid gift aid-able?
No, it is not gift aid-able.
Will I pay VAT or commission on top of the hammer price?
The auction is a fundraising event for Keech Hospice Care. There will be no VAT added to the auction value of each sculpture. There is also no buyer’s premium.
Do the sculptures have a reserve?
Yes, the reserve price for the sculptures is £2,500, but we hope they will sell for a lot more.
If I’m successful, how can I pay for my sculpture?
Keech Hospice Care will raise invoices for each successful Bid at the end of the Auction and these will be sent to the successful Bidders by email. The invoice will show the Hammer Price to be to be paid, and identify the Lot purchased.
Please see the Terms and Conditions for more information.
If I’m successful, how will I get my sculpture home?
All sculptures must be collected or delivered by 8 October. You will need to liaise with us to arrange a collection time.
Which charity will benefit from the auction proceeds?
All proceeds from The Short Tail Trail Auction will go to Keech Hospice Care.
Keech Hospice Care is an all-age hospice, providing care for children with a life-limiting condition from Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire & Milton Keynes, and adults from Bedfordshire, and their loved ones.
Like all hospices, our services are free to those that use them and those accessing them can either be referred to us or can self-refer. However, only 30% of our funding comes from the government/public sector, leaving the remaining 70% to come from our local community and supporters, that’s £7m per year (£19,000 per day). For every £1 donated to KHC, 88p goes directly to providing our specialist care and support to patients and their loved ones when they need it the most.
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