Unexpected finish to Hubberholme 'poor pasture' auction (From Craven Herald)
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Unexpected finish to Hubberholme 'poor pasture' auction
12:33pm Thursday 10th January 2013 in News
More bidders than usual entered into the historic land-letting auction at the George Inn, Hubberholme, on Monday - and there was a surprise result.
Dating back to the 18th century, the letting of the 16-acre Kirkgill field, known as the Poor Pasture, begins when a candle is lit and bids are accepted while it burns. The winning bid is the highest made at the time the flame goes out.
The final tussle this year was between Gill Huck and Paul Bowdin.
Usually the poor pasture is let to the Bowdin family but, on this occasion, the candle burned out unexpectedly and Mrs Huck had the last bid and got the land for £322, slightly less than last year’s figure.
The money, originally intended for the poor of the parish, is mainly used for gifts to the elderly and flowers for those ill or in hospital.
