Hat sells well at auction to help fund rugby tour

Margaret Woodliff Wright, from Doxford, designed an Alnwick Rugby Club-themed trilby, featuring the club’s logo, to go under the hammer in aid of the U9s tour of Yorkshire.

The inside of the head piece has been signed by legendary former Scotland rugby captain Gavin Hastings OBE, pictured wearing the hat, right.

It went up for auction on Saturday, prior to the first team’s 52-0 victory over Westoe (see match report, p69), and was snapped up for £240.

While the proud new owner wants to remain anonymous, she said that she was thrilled to acquire the piece and having taken part in one of Margaret’s workshops, she understands the work that goes into making such a masterpiece. She added that the rugby club has played a big role in her son’s life, so she was happy to support the U9s.

Margaret said: “I’m delighted that the trilby has a proud new owner and I am pleased that the winning bid was by someone who appreciates the art of couture millinery and is a keen Alnwick rugby person.”

Margaret was commissioned to make some Alnwick RFU boutonnières – a decorative buttonhole on a short hat-pin. They will be available to order with an Alnwick logo, or other sporting/local symbol, priced £25 each from www.margaretwoodliffwright.com