Man pays £265 for donated Beatles albums

A BEATLES fan paid £265 for a limited edition collection of the group’s albums donated to a charity auction by George Harrison’s widow.

Computer Matthew Bunton, of Gainsborough Crescent, Henley, said he was delighted with his purchase but that it had left him “skint”.

His was the highest amount bid for any of the 47 lots in the auction organised by the Gainsborough Residents’ Association and held at the town hall on Saturday evening.

The event raised a total of £2,786, which will be split between four charities and the association.

Mr Bunton said: “I got a nudge in the ribs and put my hand up. I have a large vinyl collection and I enjoy the Beatles. Being donated by Olivia Harrison, the albums are obviously very collectible. I’m planning to get a record player to play them all. It has made me skint but the money’s going to a great cause, so it was worth it.”

Kate Dunbar, of Gainsborough Crescent, paid £48 for an afternoon cream tea with the Mayor and Mayoress and said: “I’m going to take my daughter and some of her friends along.” A boat trip on the Thames was sold for £95.

More than 50 people attended the auction, which was conducted by Simon Jones, of Watlington auctioneers Jones & Jacob. There was also a raffle.

Paula Isaac, who chairs the association, said: “The event was a great success and we would like to thank everybody who was involved.”