Tim Penrose and Ann Thorp have never been known to conform to the "rules". And sometimes that is good, oh so good!

Ann moved to Sticklepath in Autumn of 2022 and since then she and Tim with a wonderful team that they have built together are taking the auction world head on. No time for those people who say: "It's all online" or "No public!"

They welcome the public to their monthly bonkers auction on the first Saturday of the month with wide and open arms. The day is filled with great bargains, stunning antiquities discovered in barns making great money for the owners and free tea, coffee, nuts, fruit snacks and water all day. 

There is no Tate Gallery at Dartmoor Auctions but there is a TAT GALLERY and counters stuffed full of jewellery, furniture laid out properly so it can be seen and weighed up and every item placed on a shelf as if it were in a shop. This is a couple of bonkers people who are big on detail and love for the client.

And they have been causing a stir. Up to 100 clients regularly visit the saleroom on sale day and this month they will be looking to bid on a whole host of items including a massive amount of craft and tapestry, wonderful collection of silver and jewellery, a pair of kayaks, the most amazing collection of Steiff teddy bears in mint condition and a whole load more - all to feast your eyes upon.

Viewing (in person, naturally) is on Friday November 1 from 10am to 4pm and the sale doors open on Saturday November 2 from 9am for a 9.30am start.

Of course, bidding is on the internet AS WELL as in the room and phone bids are frequent (and often hilarious). Ann is resident auctioneer and wields her gavel with calmness and humour (although the last half hour of the auction is zany beyond belief!). Puppets are introduced and it's just a little strange. Sothebys, shall we say, have not been in touch yet!

But despite the jollity there have been a number of magnificent finds - a Turkish carpet fetching £3,600 from an initial start at £20, this sale there will be a barn rescued canteen of solid silver cutlery, amazing house clearance finds and as one recent Google Review said :"The best free entertainment in the South West".

This month's speciality - wait for it: Anyone turning up in Fancy Dress gets a free plant from the Chelsea Flower Show specialist Bowdens. Sometimes you just couldn't make this stuff up.

As Tim says "Well, it's better to be mad than boring…”

See you in a week from Saturday!