Wm Sykes auction 2nd Jan - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Ian B · 1st Jan 2010, 3:13 pm

Is there a forum member in the Holmfirth area who could advise on the weather conditions locally? I'm planning to go to the Sykes auction tomorrow, and I've checked with the AA etc regarding road conditions, but I'd like a second opinion if possible. 150 miles is a long way to go to get stuck in a snowdrift!

Thanks

Ian Blackbourn

Paul Stenning · 1st Jan 2010, 3:18 pm

The Met Office forecast for Huddersfield (which is 6 miles from Holmfirth) is here http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/...t_weather.html. It looks OK to me.

Darren-UK · 1st Jan 2010, 3:35 pm

Yes, if you go M1, M6, M60 (Manchester ring road, towards Stockport and Ashton) and then shoot off towards Holmfirth you should be ok. I think you touch the M56 as well. I'd avoid going M1 (to Leeds) and then M62 and Huddersfield; those roads can be fine one minute, then impassable the next. Beware of ice though, even on the motorways.

The most dodgy area up this way at present is the M62 summit and over Saddleworth Moor. That's some way north of Holmfirth though, so unless you miss the southern side of the M60 you won't go anywhere near it. If you do, however, go wrong and end up on the northern side of the M60 then stay on that towards Stockport from the other direction. Don't end up on the M62 or you'll have to go via Delph and Meltham or Huddersfield and those roads are dodgy at the moment.

Dave Moll · 1st Jan 2010, 4:10 pm

I too am intending to go there. Anyone know about the journey there coming south from the M6? Of course, I may, however, be unable to get as far as the M6

John M0GLN · 1st Jan 2010, 5:56 pm

One way to check the motorways is by going to

http://trafficcameras.mxdata.co.uk/web/cameras.aspx

I did this Christmas Eve when the forecasts were grim and I was driving from Southport to Ripon via the M58, M6, M62 and M1, you can check every junction, the images are stills but updated about every 5 minutes, and will give give you a very good idea regards conditions and traffic.

John

dave walsh · 1st Jan 2010, 6:07 pm

I did wonder why this event was on so close to the holiday and with such poor weather prospects? Not many auction houses even operate during this period in my limited experience. I won't be going [from Sussex] but it certainly looks interesting. Perhaps anyone who makes it will be kind enough to give us some feedback, especially as the auctioneers have done their best but the listing descriptions are quite limited. I tend to avoid driving but Darren is right about the M62 summit. You might as well be in Tibet! To digress, we couldn't even get out of the High Wycombe area on the evening of Xmas Day. A relative was escorted to the M40 by police and said the outside temp went from -4 to +8 in a relatively short distance, so it's easy to be caught out. Stay safe!
Dave W

MichaelR · 1st Jan 2010, 7:44 pm

I went to the sale preview today as it is local. Some very good examples of early phonographs in excellent condition.Since the deceased was local to the showroom I suspect he collected a lot of the domestic radios from the same auction house over the years.Most were very tidy in appearance.

Mike

jay_oldstuff · 2nd Jan 2010, 1:39 am

I too went up to the preview today and will be going back for the auction. i took the Woodhead road through Hollingworth then cut through to Holmfirth past the Holmmoss TV transmitter the road is officially closed but is passable with care. please be warned though don't take the second rout through near the woodhead tunnel that road is only passable in a 4x4 (came back that way and only just made it through in my land rover) as Mike said some good stuff there and worth the trip but be carefull. hope to see some fellow forum members there.
you cant really miss me so say hello.

Jay

Retired · 2nd Jan 2010, 11:32 am

Hi,

I live in Fenay Bridge, South Huddersfield. We've just had a short heavy snow downfall; the weather is unpredictable here as we are so close to the Pennines.

For anyone traveling to the auction please be prepared for bad weather; fill up with fuel and bring warm clothes. Good luck and keep safe.

Regards, Col.

kalee99 · 2nd Jan 2010, 1:08 pm

Hi All,
I live in Northumberland and my driveway leads right onto a main road; We have had two cars come off the road and hit neighbors walls in the past 48 hours

The driving conditions are terrible. I own a 4x4 and still would not venture out.

One good thing, those who do get there will have a good chance to get what they want!
Every cloud has a silver lining

But do please take care on the roads.
Paul.

jay_oldstuff · 2nd Jan 2010, 7:21 pm

Well made it there and back ok, weather was atrocious on the way up there this morning but thankfully the gritters had been out by the time i was going home.
very good auction lots of very interesting sets got sold very cheep.
just gonna start sorting my loot now.

Hope everyone got home safe, Dave let us know you got home ok you had a hell of a drive.

jay

Retired · 2nd Jan 2010, 8:43 pm

Hi,

I hope everyone who attended the auction returned home safe and well.

I've just been outside and the snow is really coming down; everything is already covered and driving will be trecherous.

It's such a pity the auction was held at this time of year.

Regards, Col.

dave walsh · 2nd Jan 2010, 9:46 pm

I looked at a weather cam in Holmfirth at 7pm and it looked damp not snowy

. That point re the timing is the one I [gently] ventured yesterday but it was also my thinking way before Xmas, particularly as the auctioneers had said they wanted to get the best result for a favoured client. In the end, it can't have been that great a success for anyone except [of course] those brave enough to risk life and limb, who have clearly put in a major effort! Hopefully everyone got out ok. Dave

Wellington · 2nd Jan 2010, 10:17 pm

Set off from East Cheshire this a.m. at about 09:15. Snow started coming down as I hit the Pennines and by the time I got to Whaley Bridge/New Mills area the main roads were covered over and traffic was crawling. On the basis that it was hardly likely to get better the higher I got, I decided to turn back. I suspect that this is the same weather that jay_oldstuff encountered.

Rather depressed

, as opportunities like this rarely come along. Even though I didn't particularly want (or need!) any more radios, I was just looking forward to the thrill of walking into an auction room full of them!

But never mind - I hope those of you who made it enjoyed it and are having/had a safe trip home.

Out of interest, how many people turned up, and what sort of people were they?

By that, I mean besides the radio fans, were there Gramophone fans, Bakelite collectors, audiophiles on valve-harvesting missions? Just want to get a feel of what it was like as I didn't go.

Dave Moll · 2nd Jan 2010, 10:26 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by jay_oldstuff

Dave let us know you got home ok you had a hell of a drive.

It's probably fortunate that the route by which I travelled down was closed in the afternoon (despite the road conditions being not nearly as bad

). The journey down was somewhat hair-raising - max 20MPH nearly all the way between Oldham and Holmfirth - and relieved to be moving forward at all on some of the uphill sections. On several occasions I gave serious thought to turning back. Return journey via Huddersfield was snow-free.

I enjoyed the day as a one-off, apart from not arriving in time for viewing beforehand and my feet turning to blocks of ice by the end - thawed out by about half way home.

I didn't end up buying very much - mainly boxes of odds and ends. Once I've sorted out the bits I want to keep, watch out for some of the rest turning up at such as Lowton! Although I bid on some more expensive items, someone else was always willing to pay more.

I think I need an early night as I'm exhausted now.

Brian R Pateman · 2nd Jan 2010, 11:04 pm

I'm glad you made it there and back safely Dave and I'm sorry I wasn't able to accompany you - it's always better to have company on a journey in bad weather.

I hope all the rest of you who braved the elements managed to pick up a few bargains.

jay_oldstuff · 2nd Jan 2010, 11:09 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wellington

Out of interest, how many people turned up, and what sort of people were they?

By that, I mean besides the radio fans, were there Gramophone fans, Bakelite collectors, audiophiles on valve-harvesting missions? Just want to get a feel of what it was like as I didn't go.

Think there where about 20/30 ish people there max, there seemed to be a good mix of radio nutters like ourselves the odd dealer a few Jukebox collectors and some record collectors.
wernt really any valve dealers there or if thay where they did'nt bid, to be honest i bought the majority of the valve lots paid roughly £2 each large box full. just going through them now allready found some early 20's pip tops

.

Jay

Ian B · 3rd Jan 2010, 6:55 pm

I came back with far more than I intended. The boxes of assorted stuff were particularly fruitful. In one of them was something which would be of use to the chap who bought the Murphy B40 military set. If you'd like to contact me you can have it FOC.

Ian Blackbourn

Mike Phelan · 4th Jan 2010, 10:26 am

Good to hear you made it, Dave. You should have called in for a warm drink.
Yes, the A635 Isle of Skye road can be fun in snow; I commuted from Holmfirth to Manchester for years with wellies and shovel in the car boot in winter.
Interesting to see what turns up, but I must resolve not to buy too much as the Round Tuit pile is approaching the ceiling.

1st Jan 2010, 3:13 pm	#1
Ian B Hexode Join Date: May 2006 Location: Arlesey, Bedfordshire, UK. Posts: 401	Wm Sykes auction 2nd Jan Is there a forum member in the Holmfirth area who could advise on the weather conditions locally? I'm planning to go to the Sykes auction tomorrow, and I've checked with the AA etc regarding road conditions, but I'd like a second opinion if possible. 150 miles is a long way to go to get stuck in a snowdrift! Thanks Ian Blackbourn

1st Jan 2010, 3:18 pm	#2
Paul Stenning Administrator Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Cardiff Posts: 9,074	Re: Wm Sykes auction 2nd Jan The Met Office forecast for Huddersfield (which is 6 miles from Holmfirth) is here http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/...t_weather.html. It looks OK to me. __________________ Paul Stenning Forum Admin/Owner and BVWS Webmaster

1st Jan 2010, 3:35 pm	#3
Darren-UK Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Blackpool, Lancashire, UK. Posts: 4,061	Re: Wm Sykes auction 2nd Jan Yes, if you go M1, M6, M60 (Manchester ring road, towards Stockport and Ashton) and then shoot off towards Holmfirth you should be ok. I think you touch the M56 as well. I'd avoid going M1 (to Leeds) and then M62 and Huddersfield; those roads can be fine one minute, then impassable the next. Beware of ice though, even on the motorways. The most dodgy area up this way at present is the M62 summit and over Saddleworth Moor. That's some way north of Holmfirth though, so unless you miss the southern side of the M60 you won't go anywhere near it. If you do, however, go wrong and end up on the northern side of the M60 then stay on that towards Stockport from the other direction. Don't end up on the M62 or you'll have to go via Delph and Meltham or Huddersfield and those roads are dodgy at the moment.

1st Jan 2010, 4:10 pm	#4
Dave Moll Dekatron Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: West Cumbria (CA13), UK Posts: 6,133	Re: Wm Sykes auction 2nd Jan I too am intending to go there. Anyone know about the journey there coming south from the M6? Of course, I may, however, be unable to get as far as the M6 __________________ Mending is better than Ending (cf Brave New World by Aldous Huxley)

1st Jan 2010, 5:56 pm	#5
John M0GLN Octode Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Southport, Merseyside, UK. Posts: 1,156	Re: Wm Sykes auction 2nd Jan One way to check the motorways is by going to http://trafficcameras.mxdata.co.uk/web/cameras.aspx I did this Christmas Eve when the forecasts were grim and I was driving from Southport to Ripon via the M58, M6, M62 and M1, you can check every junction, the images are stills but updated about every 5 minutes, and will give give you a very good idea regards conditions and traffic. John

1st Jan 2010, 6:07 pm	#6
dave walsh Dekatron Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Ramsbottom (Nr Bury) Lancs or Bexhill (Nr Hastings) Sussex. Posts: 5,817	Re: Wm Sykes auction 2nd Jan I did wonder why this event was on so close to the holiday and with such poor weather prospects? Not many auction houses even operate during this period in my limited experience. I won't be going [from Sussex] but it certainly looks interesting. Perhaps anyone who makes it will be kind enough to give us some feedback, especially as the auctioneers have done their best but the listing descriptions are quite limited. I tend to avoid driving but Darren is right about the M62 summit. You might as well be in Tibet! To digress, we couldn't even get out of the High Wycombe area on the evening of Xmas Day. A relative was escorted to the M40 by police and said the outside temp went from -4 to +8 in a relatively short distance, so it's easy to be caught out. Stay safe! Dave W

1st Jan 2010, 7:44 pm	#7
MichaelR Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 1,587	Re: Wm Sykes auction 2nd Jan I went to the sale preview today as it is local. Some very good examples of early phonographs in excellent condition.Since the deceased was local to the showroom I suspect he collected a lot of the domestic radios from the same auction house over the years.Most were very tidy in appearance. Mike

2nd Jan 2010, 1:39 am	#8
jay_oldstuff Octode Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Hyde, Greater Manchester, UK. Posts: 1,074	Re: Wm Sykes auction 2nd Jan I too went up to the preview today and will be going back for the auction. i took the Woodhead road through Hollingworth then cut through to Holmfirth past the Holmmoss TV transmitter the road is officially closed but is passable with care. please be warned though don't take the second rout through near the woodhead tunnel that road is only passable in a 4x4 (came back that way and only just made it through in my land rover) as Mike said some good stuff there and worth the trip but be carefull. hope to see some fellow forum members there. you cant really miss me so say hello. Jay __________________ The light at the end of the tunnel is probably the headlight of an oncoming train

2nd Jan 2010, 11:32 am	#9
Retired Heptode Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Fenay Bridge, Huddersfield. UK. Posts: 673	Re: Wm Sykes auction 2nd Jan Hi, I live in Fenay Bridge, South Huddersfield. We've just had a short heavy snow downfall; the weather is unpredictable here as we are so close to the Pennines. For anyone traveling to the auction please be prepared for bad weather; fill up with fuel and bring warm clothes. Good luck and keep safe. Regards, Col.

2nd Jan 2010, 1:08 pm	#10
kalee99 Rest in Peace Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyneside, UK. Posts: 420	Re: Wm Sykes auction 2nd Jan Hi All, I live in Northumberland and my driveway leads right onto a main road; We have had two cars come off the road and hit neighbors walls in the past 48 hours The driving conditions are terrible. I own a 4x4 and still would not venture out. One good thing, those who do get there will have a good chance to get what they want! Every cloud has a silver lining But do please take care on the roads. Paul.

2nd Jan 2010, 7:21 pm	#11
jay_oldstuff Octode Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Hyde, Greater Manchester, UK. Posts: 1,074	Re: Wm Sykes auction 2nd Jan Well made it there and back ok, weather was atrocious on the way up there this morning but thankfully the gritters had been out by the time i was going home. very good auction lots of very interesting sets got sold very cheep. just gonna start sorting my loot now. Hope everyone got home safe, Dave let us know you got home ok you had a hell of a drive. jay __________________ The light at the end of the tunnel is probably the headlight of an oncoming train

2nd Jan 2010, 8:43 pm	#12
Retired Heptode Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Fenay Bridge, Huddersfield. UK. Posts: 673	Re: Wm Sykes auction 2nd Jan Hi, I hope everyone who attended the auction returned home safe and well. I've just been outside and the snow is really coming down; everything is already covered and driving will be trecherous. It's such a pity the auction was held at this time of year. Regards, Col.

2nd Jan 2010, 9:46 pm	#13
dave walsh Dekatron Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Ramsbottom (Nr Bury) Lancs or Bexhill (Nr Hastings) Sussex. Posts: 5,817	Re: Wm Sykes auction 2nd Jan I looked at a weather cam in Holmfirth at 7pm and it looked damp not snowy. That point re the timing is the one I [gently] ventured yesterday but it was also my thinking way before Xmas, particularly as the auctioneers had said they wanted to get the best result for a favoured client. In the end, it can't have been that great a success for anyone except [of course] those brave enough to risk life and limb, who have clearly put in a major effort! Hopefully everyone got out ok. Dave

2nd Jan 2010, 10:17 pm	#14
Wellington Hexode Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Cheshire, UK. Posts: 363	Re: Wm Sykes auction 2nd Jan Set off from East Cheshire this a.m. at about 09:15. Snow started coming down as I hit the Pennines and by the time I got to Whaley Bridge/New Mills area the main roads were covered over and traffic was crawling. On the basis that it was hardly likely to get better the higher I got, I decided to turn back. I suspect that this is the same weather that jay_oldstuff encountered. Rather depressed , as opportunities like this rarely come along. Even though I didn't particularly want (or need!) any more radios, I was just looking forward to the thrill of walking into an auction room full of them! But never mind - I hope those of you who made it enjoyed it and are having/had a safe trip home. Out of interest, how many people turned up, and what sort of people were they? By that, I mean besides the radio fans, were there Gramophone fans, Bakelite collectors, audiophiles on valve-harvesting missions? Just want to get a feel of what it was like as I didn't go.

2nd Jan 2010, 11:04 pm	#16
Brian R Pateman Nonode Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Western Lake District, Cumbria (CA20) - UK Posts: 2,136	Re: Wm Sykes auction 2nd Jan I'm glad you made it there and back safely Dave and I'm sorry I wasn't able to accompany you - it's always better to have company on a journey in bad weather. I hope all the rest of you who braved the elements managed to pick up a few bargains. __________________ Brian

3rd Jan 2010, 6:55 pm	#18
Ian B Hexode Join Date: May 2006 Location: Arlesey, Bedfordshire, UK. Posts: 401	Re: Wm Sykes auction 2nd Jan I came back with far more than I intended. The boxes of assorted stuff were particularly fruitful. In one of them was something which would be of use to the chap who bought the Murphy B40 military set. If you'd like to contact me you can have it FOC. Ian Blackbourn

4th Jan 2010, 10:26 am	#19
Mike Phelan Dekatron Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Near Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK Posts: 4,609	Re: Wm Sykes auction 2nd Jan Good to hear you made it, Dave. You should have called in for a warm drink. Yes, the A635 Isle of Skye road can be fun in snow; I commuted from Holmfirth to Manchester for years with wellies and shovel in the car boot in winter. Interesting to see what turns up, but I must resolve not to buy too much as the Round Tuit pile is approaching the ceiling. __________________ Mike.