Roger and Val’s car boot sale

The turnout of sellers, buyers and supporters is expected to be large - looking for bargains, bantering and enjoying the tasty catering in the most comfortable of surroundings.

The generous couple have cut down the number of events to three again this year and those who have experienced the atmosphere and food previously shouldn’t allow the opportunity of a pleasant day out to slip past.

There is ample space for vehicles trading on the extensive lawns, half of which allows for disabled parking so that those less mobile can be involved in this popular occasion.

A local landowner makes a large field adjoining the rectory available for free car parking for the remainder of those attending. There will a raffle of prizes some having been donated by Smugglers Inn, Bushmills, Aghadowey Foods, Coleraine, Watertop Open Farm and McCaughan’s Chemists, both Ballycastle.

Val and Roger have a regular team of willing helpers who ‘step up to the plate’ for every sale that is being organised and their experience and helpful, cheery welcome makes everyone feel at home in the pleasant surroundings of the house and grounds.

The giant marquee brought from England offers an inviting entrance to the ‘conservatory’ catering area. The roast beef and roast pork sandwiches could run out later in the day, as could the home baking and preserves, so an early attendance is advised.

Their effort on behalf of the local branch of Samaritans last year resulted in the presentation of a cheque for £2200.

Coleraine and District Samaritan branch’s volunteers will have a large table of donated items for sale and the members were overwhelmed by the generosity of those offering attractive items.

Samaritans is a charitable organisation who offer confidential emotional support to those suffering feelings of distress, despair or who are suicidal.

They are a self-funding organisation and rely on donations from the community to continue to provide the service they have done for over 40 years in the Coleraine and district area, taking in Ballymoney, Coleraine, Limavady and Moyle.

The Branch Chairman said: “We are very appreciative of the past and continuing support we have received from Roger and Val Denny and all others in the local community. The local branch takes between £25,000 and £30,000 per year to operate. All the volunteers are unpaid.

“We cannot thank enough all those who help in whatever way they can and hope we can rely on their continued support now and in the future.”