Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 08:30 - 19:00 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
08 August 2013 08:54
Rhinos in Kenya, where James Radford collected rare artefacts
A pensioner who has spent the past 15 years doing aid work in Africa is auctioning off his travel souvenirs to help a children's charity back in the UK.
Former furniture retailer James Radford, 78, from Penarth in South Wales, is donating all the proceeds from the sale of the rare artefacts and vintage antiques this Saturday to local charity Ty Hafan.
Cardiff auctioneer Rogers Jones Co has been assigned to sell hundreds of ethnic collectibles, including rhino models made from indigenous minerals, carved figures and masks of Maasai warriors and others from Malawi, Tanzania and Kenya.
The 350 lots also include gazelle and buffalo horns, walking sticks, a decorative carved hardwood swordstick and matching dagger, and a stringed musical instrument.
Modest estimates have been set to encourage competition from collectors and supporters of the charity, while auctioneer Ben Rogers Jones has agreed to donate his services for free so the biggest amount possible goes to the charity.
He told the Penarth Times the objects are "not the usual tourist knickknacks associated with travel souvenirs".
"They are more rare objects purchased from local craftsmen from remote villages off the usual tourist trails," he said.
Mr Radford visited Africa for the first time shortly after retiring from his shop RB Furnishing at the age of 56, joining a trip to Zimbabwe.
He never looked back and since then he has supported a number of African charities and recently raised money for a boy born without kneecaps to have an operation to help him walk.
Over-70s with a similar sense of adventure can make the most of seniors travel insurance and pick up a few souvenirs of their own.
Mr Radford said: "I would still love to go back to Africa but I am limited by my mobility now. I decided the time was right to do something here for charity. There aren't many more worthwhile than Ty Hafan."
09 September 2019
What's the best island to visit in Europe? Take a look at some of our top tips off the beaten track and find your very own island paradise...
[more...]
02 September 2019
If you're visiting the Land of the Rising Sun for the rugby, here's everything you need to know about the World Cup's host cities...
Not ready to wave goodbye to summer? Discover our top European destinations for last-minute summer sun...
Already stressing about that 8-hour flight? Make your journey more comfortable with our top tips for flying long-haul.
Heading on holiday to Japan? Get the most out of your trip to Tokyo with these must-see places in the Japanese capital.
Are you going on holiday to Japan? Get the most out of your trip by discovering these alternative, off-the-beaten-track destinations that will show you a different side to the Land of the Rising Sun.
21 August 2019
Travelling to Japan to watch the rugby? Here's everything you need to know about visiting the land of the rising sun, from payment methods to convenience store drinking!
Ready to experience the drama of rugby's greatest competition? Here's our guide to getting close to the action with a trip to magical Japan.
08 August 2019
Looking to travel back in time? Walk in the footsteps of Zeus and Apollo as you explore some of Greece's most iconic historical sites.
Want to explore off the beaten track? Discover your new Grecian paradise in one of these secluded island locations...
Find your favourite Greek food with our guide on how to let your taste buds explore the delicious flavours of Greece.
Ever wondered what life was like in Ancient Greece? Explore the city that many call the birthplace of Western civilisation by visiting these fantastic attractions in the legendary city of Athens.