Expert advice from Windsor Auctions to help your team find hidden gems, avoid costly mistakes, and raise as much as possible for Thames Hospice! The Trunks of Treasure Challenge is all about adventure, teamwork, and a little bit of auction magic. Armed with a £200 budget, teams will go treasure hunting before seeing their finds go under the hammer at a live charity auction in May – with profits boosting their fundraising total for Thames Hospice. To help everyone get the most from the challenge, we sat down with Harry Ballin from Windsor Auctions – the auctioneer behind the idea – to share expert advice and insider tips. What Types of Items Consistently Perform Well at Auction? According to Harry, the key is to think small, collectable, and interesting – especially when working with a manageable budget. Some categories that regularly do well: Jewellery & Precious Materials Small pieces of jewellery Anything made from silver Enamel items Coins and small collectables These are easy to display, easy to sell, and often attract strong bidding. Vintage Toys & Modern Collectables This is a big one. Harry’s advice? Think about what people loved as kids – because chances are it’s collectable now. Look out for: Barbie dolls Action Man figures Die-cast cars & train sets Pokémon cards Jellycat toys Vintage toys (especially boxed items) And yes… LEGO. Harry admits LEGO is a personal favourite, and while his “addiction” may be well-known, he’s not wrong. Complete or retired sets can perform incredibly well at auction. Other Good Performers Military medals and related items Mid-century glassware (look for names like Whitefriars) Interesting standalone ceramics The overall rule? Small, collectable, and visually appealing often wins. What Mistakes Should Teams Avoid When Buying Items? If there’s one thing Harry was very clear about, it’s this: Avoid anything broken, chipped, or damaged. Even if something looks interesting, damage dramatically reduces buyer interest. Other things to avoid: Broken toys or incomplete items Chipped ceramics or cracked glass Certain novelty items that create more hassle than value Items that aren’t practical for auction buyers The simplest test: If you wouldn’t be excited to buy it yourself… someone else probably won’t be either. Where Are the...
Read More
Windsor Auctions is delighted to once again be hosting the live charity auction at the annual Eton Information Centre Fundraising Ball, an evening dedicated to celebration, community spirit, and raising vital funds for one of Eton’s most valued local organisations. This year’s event will take place at The Castle Hotel, Windsor, on Saturday 21 March 2026, beginning at 7:00pm. With a glamorous “Night at the Opera” theme. Guests can look forward to an unforgettable evening featuring a live opera performance, a casino experience, fine dining, and of course, the much-anticipated charity auction. With Windsor Auctions’ head auctioneer Harry Ballin taking to the rostrum, the auction promises to be one of the highlights of the night, so don’t miss out! About the Eton Information Centre Established in 2019, the Eton Information Centre has become far more than a tourist information point. Located on Eton High Street, it offers a warm welcome to visitors while acting as an important hub for the local community. Friendly, knowledgeable staff help visitors discover top attractions, hidden gems, walking tours, and local favourites. The Centre also promotes local businesses, supports schools and residents, and provides retail space for locally produced goods, Eton College gifts, and artwork by local artists. Importantly, the Centre plays a meaningful role in supporting the local economy. Visitors who stay overnight in the area spend significantly more than day visitors, benefiting local hotels, restaurants, and shops. By encouraging people to explore and extend their stay, the Centre helps strengthen the town year-round. Beyond tourism, it offers something equally valuable, a welcoming space for local residents. Whether someone needs advice, companionship, or simply a warm place to visit, the Centre is there for everyone. Award-Winning Excellence In December 2025, the Centre achieved a significant milestone by winning Gold at the 2025 Beautiful South Tourism Awards for Excellence in the Tourist Information Service category, run by Tourism South East. The Beautiful South Awards celebrate excellence across hospitality and tourism in the South East of England, and this recognition highlights the dedicated service provided by the Centre’s dedicated team and volunteers. As Director Ros Rivaz said following the award: “We couldn’t be more proud of the exceptional service the Eton Information Centre provides to...
Read More
