Anniversary event showed a lot of bottle in Shrewsbury
Collectors of antique bottles have been putting on a show for the public – and raising money for charity at the same time.
Members of the Shropshire Antique Bottle Collectors Club set up at Bayston Hill Memorial Hall for their annual show – the 25th show held by the group.
This year's event, which took place on Sunday, November 6, was also raising money for the West Midlands Air Ambulance.
Club chairman John Thompson, said: “It was a great success, probably the best show we have had in 25 years.
"Visitors and sellers alike were loving it, and because Morrison's at Welshpool donated all the food we were able to make a clear profit on that."
To mark the 'silver jubilee' milestone, club members put on a one-off display of 25 of Shropshire's best bottles and related collectibles.
They included some of the most valuable as well as some with unusual designs, and others with specific local interest.
People attended from across Shropshire and beyond, including a couple from London who love Shrewsbury, Bradford, Leicester and Birmingham.
Mr Thompson said: "We had 75 visitors, which doesn't sound a lot but it is a niche hobby and they tend to stay for a long while."
He added: "I went fishing with my father on the Rea Brook, where I saw some people digging up old bottles. That was my inspiration for the hobby. I ditched the fishing rod but I was hooked, if you excuse the pun, bit not on fishing.
"I love finding out about the social history behind all the items."
There were around 24 stalls present selling antique bottles, pots and other related collectables – including advertising memorabilia, enamel signs and postcards.
People were also able to get free valuations and advice if they had their own collectibles to take along.
The actual total amount raised for the West Midlands Air Ambulance is not yet known but over the course of the last 12 years the organisers reckon it must be in the region of around £4,000 or £5,000.
Mr Thompson said the club would definitely be holding another event next year, on the first Sunday of November in 2023.
If people want to find out more they should seek out the Facebook group Shropshire Bottles & Bottle Fair News.
