After a successful re-launch last year, The Chelsea Antiques Fair will once again return to the Chelsea Old Town in 2014. An antique lover’s dream, the event will run from 19th to 23rd March at the Chelsea Old Town Hall and will be donating a percentage of sales to national charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.
A group of Chelsea Pensioners, led by veteran Mike Shanahan, aged 67, will be opening the Antiques Fair on behalf of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People on Wednesday 19th March at 14.30. Mike lost his right hearing completely and perforated his left ear in a bomb blast whilst serving in the Army in Northern Ireland in 1973, and started volunteering for Hearing Dogs four years ago.
Mike says; “I became interested in supporting Hearing Dogs for Deaf People during my time in the Ambulance service after leaving the Army, and experienced firsthand how amazing assistance dogs really are. It is not just the companionship that these dogs offer, but also the ability to help you live in a house alone and not miss important sounds like the doorbell and fire alarm. I’m so looking forward to opening the Antiques Fair on behalf of Hearing Dogs and the Chelsea Pensioners, and hope that we can raise lots of money for this wonderful charity.”
Hearing Dogs for Deaf People offers life-changing support to deaf people, as each clever hearing dog is trained to alert to important sounds like the alarm clock, doorbell and fire alarm. With hearing loss on the rise and one in six people in the UK suffering from some form of deafness, the charity is working to train even more hearing dog puppies than ever before. Each hearing dog offers their deaf partner more independence, confidence and companionship.
As a non-government funded charity, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People relies solely on support and donations from the public.
Established in 1950, the Fair prides itself on its boutique style set up and traditional art and antiques. Approximately 35 specialist dealers have been chosen for their expertise in each field will be available for advice on specialist collecting, with some even offering talks and demonstrations on carpet restoration. Mark Stacey, known for his appearance on BBC Antiques programmes, will also exhibit.
Chelsea Antiques Fair
Venue: Chelsea OldTown Hall, King’s Road, London, SW3 5EE
Open: 19-23 March (Wednesday 2-8pm, Thursday 11-8pm, Friday-Sunday 11-5.30pm)
Admission: £5, but E-Tickets and details on penman-fairs.co.uk
For more information on the charity or for details on how you can donate to hearing dogs for deaf people, please visit www.hearingdogs.org.uk.
