Lego auction helps build bricks for refurbed Shipley church

Lego enthusiasts looking to build their collections will have the chance to purchase some unique sets as part of a Lego auction being held to raise money for Shipley Salvation Army. 

The auction will take place on Sunday 9 August at the church and charity in Rhodes Place, with 45 sets across different age groups, including Lego Classic Large Creative Brick Box, Lego Friends Drifting Diner, Lego Friends The Big Race Day and Lego Harry Potter Hogwarts Express up for grabs. 

Money raised from the auction will go towards making internal improvements to the church and charity’s building as it undergoes a major revamp to help them support more people in the community. 

The event, which will auction off sets that are no longer available on the official Lego website, will also give families the opportunity to browse, play games and make friends, helping keep boredom at bay this summer holiday. 

Kathy Mills, a member of the children and family ministries team at Shipley Salvation Army, said: “We were looking for unique ways to boost the fundraising for our renovated building. Remembering the joy that Lego playsets had brought to our own family, we thought this would be a great way of sharing that joy and raising money for a good cause. The sets have been donated by young people, including my daughter Emma.

“They are all complete and in a good condition. Although they may not be in their original boxes as they have been donated by people who have enjoyed playing with them, a lot of hard work has gone into ensuring that these sets can still be built and rebuilt again and again.” 

There will be a range of classic Lego sets, ranging in price from £5 for simple play sets to £15 for Brick Headz, and up to £40 for larger Harry Potter sets.

Kathy continued: “This is a really great opportunity for Lego collectors as there will be chance to purchase Lego that has been retired from the official website. If there was something you always intended to buy, or a set you didn’t quite complete, maybe we can help.” 

There will also be other items for sale including jigsaws, PC Rom games, books and craft sets. Guests will also get the chance to see videos and photos showing how much Shipley Salvation Army’s building has changed during the redevelopment. 

Kathy added: “We want to give families something to help keep boredom at bay throughout the summer holidays. There will be drinks and sweet treats available for the cost of a donation, as well as the chance to see how the work at Shipley Salvation Army is coming along.” 

The building upgrade will increase accessibility as well as provide a sensory room, kitchen, seating area and a multi-use community room. Improvements will be made to the main worship hall and a new outdoor space will create a haven in the centre of the building.  

Shipley Salvation Army church leader Captain Laura McLean said: “Our congregation have been so supportive in coming up with unique ways to fundraise to make the inside of our building as best as it can be. Sunday is set to be a great event for families and is not to be missed for those Lego enthusiasts. We look forward to seeing you there.”

The auction will take place on Sunday 9 August between 2pm and 4pm. Donations of £1 will be requested for entry, with all money raised going towards Shipley Salvation Army. 

Full list of Lego sets to auction: 

Lego Brick Headz The Mandalorian & The Child

Lego Classic Large Creative Brick Box

Lego Friends Drifting Diner

Lego Friends The Big Race Day

Lego Harry Potter Hogwarts Express

Lego Harry Potter Hogwarts Great Hall

Lego Harry Potter Wizard's Chess

Lego Harry Potter Newts Case of Magical Creatures