Antiques show sure to sparkle

If you're searching for a bargain or that unique piece of jewellery, crystal, silverware or furniture, head to the Baycourt Exhibition Space this weekend and check out one of the country's leading antique exhibitions.
Hundreds of visitors are expected to visit Baycourt for the 31st annual Rotary Club of Otumoetai annual antique fair.
Club president Bruce Farthing said this weekend would be a wonderful opportunity for people to "find that unique piece of furniture or jewellery". And while there will be a selection of rare and valuable items on display, other items will vary in price so there will be something for everyone, Mr Farthing said.
A variety of antiques will be on show, including fine China, linen and lace, crystal items, silverware, jewellery, tools, militaria items, as well as 18th and 19th century French and English furniture.
Mr Farthing said there would be hundreds, maybe thousands, of items available to buy.
Rotary club member Geoff Barlow is one of the event organisers and has had this role for the past four years.
For him, the annual antique fair was an event to celebrate and was "certainly a premier event in the Bay of Plenty", if not the whole of the country.
This year's fair will see about eight dealers from all over the North Island offering rare and valuable items for sale.
As well as local enthusiasts, antique dealers from Auckland, Cambridge and the greater Waikato were expected to attend. Mr Barlow said one couple was travelling from Lyttelton.
"Their property was damaged in last year's earthquake and they've been in a little old church building and it was completely damaged," Mr Barlow said.
"They have a vast collection of specialised militaria goods so we're really pleased."
Mr Barlow said the antique fair was a highlight on the Rotary calendar and club members were very supportive of the event.
"It's a good project for us where we can do something for the community and it's always highly talked about."
At the fair there will be a $2 raffle, which will see the winner receive a dinner for six, catered for in their own home by a leading qualified chef.
Entry to the antique fair will cost $5 and all funds raised will be donated to the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal.
About 800 people visited last year's antique fair and Mr Barlow said this year they were hoping for the same.
WHEN AND WHERE
What: Rotary Club of Otumoetai Annual Antique Fair.
Where: Baycourt Exhibition Space.
When: Saturday and Sunday.
Time: Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday 10am-4pm.
Cost: Entry $5