Going, going, gone! Auctioneer to retire after 40 years

AUCTIONEER, Dennis Barnard, is retiring from his role at Cooper and Tanner after 40 years with the company.

85-year old Dennis will step down from his role at the sale rooms in Standerwick at the end of this month to focus on his voluntary work.

Speaking to Frome Times about his 40 years with the auctioneers, Dennis said, “It has been most enjoyable! I’ve loved the work, meeting clients, and the fellowship I have gained working alongside the nice people at Cooper and Tanner.

“Although I am 85, I am reluctant to retire. I so enjoy the auction room – my role is partly ‘showbiz’, it’s almost like a performance, standing up in front of the crowds – I shall miss it terribly.”

Dennis’s first experience of the auction room came at the age of 15 when he stepped in to cover for his father at a harvest sale at the Chapmanslade Congregational Church. He then went on to conduct charity auctions before turning professional with Cooper and Tanner.

About his time in the Cooper and Tanner auction room, Dennis said, “One of the most memorable items I can remember auctioning off is a desk that came from the Frome council offices – it went for about £11,000. There was some connection between the desk and Chippendale furniture, so this caused a lot of excitement.

“That was a special item, but I also get a lot of pleasure from auctioning the more ‘mundane’ items. You observe people buying items, who are so thrilled to add something to their collection – it’s amazing to see.

“Every sale is different –coins, stamps, toys, ceramics, pictures, guns – all interesting, all sought after, and to bring the hammer down never  ceases to be a  pleasure. 

“Also the mix of people is incredible. There are some people who don’t have two ha’pennies to rub together, and there are millionaires – all mixing together. It creates such a colourful and joyful atmosphere.”

Dennis joined Cooper and Tanner in 1979 after selling his shop and post office. He began his career with the company working with the Frome residential sales team, selling houses.

“I was in this role for 11 years before moving on into auctioneering,” explained Dennis. “I really enjoyed the thrill of selling homes and did miss it. It was very rewarding meeting new people and getting to know them – you would build good relationships with your clients.

“I loved negotiating, getting a deal and then receiving the news from the solicitors that the contracts were ready to be exchanged – it was very rewarding.”

About what he plans to do with his retirement, Dennis said, “I am involved with the Chapmanslade and Corsley churches and Rotary club, so I will be focussing more on this. I will also continue conducting auctions for charity when I am asked to. And I’d like to travel a bit more with my wife of 64 years, Gwen, and my family.”