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Southons' staff celebrate 100 years. DB3154P3

ONE of Salisbury's oldest and best-known businesses celebrated its centenary year in grand style, staging an event to raise money for a good cause.

Southons, the furnishing store in Catherine Street, is well-known for giving over part of its Catherine Street shop space in the run-up to Christmas each year for Cards for Good Causes, where charities can sell their Christmas cards.

The company recently took over the Guildhall for a grand charity auction in aid of the Salisbury District Hospital Stars Appeal. Items of furniture and furnishings donated by Southons' suppliers went under the hammer and bidding was brisk.

With money still to come in, it is thought the auction raised at least £2,800 for the Stars Appeal. Two items of furniture did not make their reserve but they are both to be sold by way of a "countdown auction." A large prestigious sofa and chair and a small leather sofa will be on display in the shop window and people can bid for them.

The evening, which was attended by the Mayor and Mayoress of Salisbury, Councillor Kevin and Jan Cardy, also included a finger buffet and complimentary glass of champagne.

The auction was the climax of a series of events held during the year to celebrate the company's centenary. In September, there was A Touch of Italy evening with Italian wine and food, an Ercol Open Event at Beaulieu Motor Museum, in October, as well as various events and promotions inside the Catherine Street store.

Percy Southon established the business in 1907 and the shop grew to become the business it is today. It is still owned and run by the family which over the years has had close links with the Scout movement in south Wiltshire and backed many charities in the city and surrounding area.

12:57pm Thursday 22nd November 2007

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