FUNCTIONS AT THE NEW AUCTION MART

Over the first year since our move, we have had a number of functions around the business centre. There are four main areas where functions take place around the new business centre.

 Foyer – The foyer is a vast open area of the centre, which whilst not in use for auctions and parties, is used to display vehicles, trailers and advertising from our supporters and sponsors.  We have held demonstrations from local as well as national agricultural and government organisations.  In our first year we have had demonstrations from Till Seeding, Cogent, Optico, Green Farm Health, FWAG and English Nature.  A number of organisations have used the foyer as a market place such as National Childbirth Trust for a table top sale, Sculpture and Painting Exhibitions, Bijouterie Sales, Carol Singing and our monthly Farmers Markets. Recently we have held the 2007 Red Hot Ball, an event was organised for over 300 children aged between 14 to 16 year olds, who filled two marquees in the foyer, for their annual party.

1. The Clean Area – This area is to the rear of the centre, where there is a 100 metre x 30 metre covered space. There are weekly indoor car boot sales are held on a Sunday morning.  Sellers arrive around 9.15am, whilst buyers arrive around 10.15am. At every fortnightly furniture sale the space is filled with furniture, settees and electrical equipment, whilst on the monthly fur & feather and collective sale, there is a vast range of home, garden, agricultural and industrial machinery and tools for sale. Alternate uses for this area vary from the scrutineering area for a vintage car rally, a young farmers foam party and a countywide tourist information exhibition
2. The Askham Bryan Suite – Mainly used for smaller tutorial and instructional meetings.  Thirsk Brass Band meet weekly for their band practices and for prayer meetings and church services on a Sunday morning. There are a number of rooms which are great for company board meetings and organisational resources get togethers.
3. The Gavel Café & Bar – The Café is run by Carole Johnston and the area is available for breakfast, lunch and evening meals, as well as having a segregated area