Hyde Pipers help raise £3,000 for local charities at Burns Night bash

Antiques company Max Rollitt celebrated the milestone with a Burns Night party at Yavington Barn in Avington. The Hyde Pipers welcomed guests and entertained them throughout the evening, helping to raise £3,000 for Naomi House and Winchester Basics Bank.

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More than 130 party-goers tried on vintage headgear and took photos throughout the night before 10 of the hats were auctioned off, with all of the proceeds going to the two charities. One hat even sold for £550.

Max Rollitt, of Max Rollitt Antiques, said: “My mother was born the day before Burns Night, so when her parents were pondering a middle name and the doctor suggested Burns, they obliged. She went on to set up an antiques business in Winchester and called it Burns and Graham, and here I am in the same industry all these years later. It felt poignant to celebrate on Burns Night, and even better to be able to support local charities in doing so.”

Max Rollitt and the Hyde Pipers (Image: Jon Shurlock)

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Mr Rollitt originally trained as a cabinetmaker and furniture restorer, launching his own antiques business in 1993. Five years later he started designing and making his own range of furniture. In 2006, he branched into interior design. His work is regularly featured in titles including The World of Interiors and House & Garden.

The Hyde Pipers, led by multi-instrumentalist and pipe maker Paul Tabbush, play traditional tunes from the north-east of England. Paul said: "We love to introduce audiences to the culture and sound of the Northumbrian Pipes. In contrast with many pipes the Northumbrian Pipes are bellows-blown and blessed with a sweet sound suitable for playing indoors.”

The Pipers play every second Saturday of the month in the Hyde Tavern.

Burns Night, on Thursday, January 25, is a celebration of the life and poetry of Scottish poet Robert Burns. People often have traditional Scottish dishes like haggis, soup and cheeses.