Beer bottle '˜labologists' to hold charity auction of rare labels at brewery in Heckington

A brewery is hosting an auction of rare beer bottle labels tomorrow (Saturday) with proceeds going to charity.
Collectable labels such as Little Willie commemorative ale from Heckington's 8 Sail brewery will be up for auction for charity. EMN-160710-123743001Collectable labels such as Little Willie commemorative ale from Heckington's 8 Sail brewery will be up for auction for charity. EMN-160710-123743001
Collectable labels such as Little Willie commemorative ale from Heckington's 8 Sail brewery will be up for auction for charity. EMN-160710-123743001

The 8 Sail Brewery, based next to Heckington’s famous windmill, has offered to host the latest national auction organised by members of the British Beer Bottle Label Collectors’ Society - otherwise known as ‘the Labologists’.

Brewery owner Tony Pygott explained: “They talk to breweries every year asking them to send their labels in for judging for the Best Label of the Year Award. We have sent a few of our commemorative ones and one a certificate for 3rd place in 2014.”

When judging is completed they hold an auction for society members to sell off all the labels, plus any other collectable ones up for grabs. The money raised goes to local charities and 8 Sail Brewery, as this year’s host, has nominated Heckington Volunteer Car Service and Lincolnshire Ark animal rescue charity.

Tony said: “The society asks breweries who would like to host the auction and we put ourselves forward two years ago.

“We have mentioned it to the local beer fraternity and the public can come along and watch, and maybe join in.”

He expected at least 30 dedicated collectors to be attending and last year’s auction raised over £2,000.

He said: “Beer bottle label collecting is quite a big thing and has a lot of interest, like stamp collecting, and some rarer ones can go for thousands of pounds.”

The auction starts around 12noon.