There will be an opportunity to bid for these historic linens donated by Jane Pocock (centre) of The Irish Linen Shop in this Saturday's National Trust Mini-Auction.

Trust president Hugh Davidson (left) and auction organiser Nancy Murphie (right) report that these items form part of the Trust's usual campaign for `One Good Thing' to be given by members for the auction.

The donated textiles include two exquisite, heavy linen and lace panels which are believed to be 19th century, a pair of French handmade silk bedspreads trimmed with Alencon lace, dated around 1930, an Irish linen cover or cloth with hand embroidery and crochet. Finally, there is a spectacular Russian linen bed cover for a footed bed, of pre-1917 origin and elaborately monogrammed with the Russian imperial crown. Obviously, this last item has considerable historic interest and significance.

"We also have some lovely silver and brass, paintings and prints, an amazing collection of hand-painted mirrors, a child's alto saxophone, a very good stamp and coin collection and a pool table -- to name but a few,'' says Mrs.

Murphie. "We are also having a Tag and Jumble Sale this year, which will include a great many books and plants and `Palmetto Boutique' decorator items.

The King Building will be the place to come and have a good time -- and we are serving refreshments so we hope everyone will come along. As usual, the Trust Raffle will be drawn at 2 p.m. on Saturday.'' The Mini-Auction takes place on Saturday, February 21 between 12 noon and 2 p.m. in the Jack King Building of the Botanical Gardens. The Tag and Jumble Sale begins tomorrow (Thursday) from 8.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m., and Friday, February 20 between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., contuing on Saturday at 10 a.m. The Auction Preview also takes place tomorrow and Friday at the same times.

TRUSTY TREASURES -- The National Trust's Hugh Davidson (L), Jane Pocock of the Irish Linen Shop (C), and auction organiser Nancy Murphie (R), display some of the historic linens up for bid this Saturday.