Christmas appeal: Bid now for Yorkshire’s most exclusive gifts

• View this week’s auctions and bid now

Over five weeks, readers will have the chance to bid on exclusive gifts and experiences, many of which money cannot normally buy, to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society and help it to support the 58,000 people with dementia in the region.

Tickets to see indie pop band Scouting for Girls at the O2 Academy in Leeds on Friday, November 22, plus a chance to meet band members Roy Strider, Greg Churchouse and Pete Ellard backstage after the gig are among the exciting lots going under the hammer this week.

The exclusive experience has been donated by the band themselves, who have notched up more than 2m record sales, four Brit Award nominations, an Ivor Novello nomination and four top 10 singles including She’s So Lovely and Elvis Ain’t Dead.

Another set of backstage passes - this time to meet the cast of Harrogate Theatre’s production of Sleeping Beauty - plus 10 front row tickets to the pantomime on Tuesday, December 17, is also up for grabs thanks to the venue.

The show combines spectacular scenery, jokes galore, magic and sparkle that are sure to make it a festive family favourite.

The VIP vibe continues with a chauffeur-driven journey through the Yorkshire Dales in two classic Morgan sports cars - a Plus 8 and Aero 8 - plus a pub lunch.

The cars’ owners Ann and Peter Johnson, who have donated the tour, will agree a date with the highest bidder but it is likely to take place next spring or summer to allow for the full hood-down experience.

There is also the chance to step into the shoes of Yorkshire Post business editor Bernard Ginns for the day.

“The role puts you at the heart of Britain’s brightest and best business community in God’s Own County and gives you access to some inspirational entrepreneurs and colourful characters,” he said.

A private dining experience for 12 people prepared by chef Katy Holmes in the highest bidder’s own home is also being offered. The 29-year-old, who has worked as a private chef in the Alps, London and Scotland wowed foodies this summer when she swung open the doors on pop-up restaurant The Hay Bale Diner on a former strawberry farm in Birstwith, North Yorkshire.

A course at Betty’s Cookery School in Harrogate is also sure to appeal to gastronomes and there is plenty more to tickle their tastebuds, with a creamery tour and cheese hamper from award-winning Thirsk dairy Shepherd’s Purse, a bumper box of ice cream and lollies from Northallerton-based R&R Ice Cream, and an a la carte dinner plus bed and breakfast at Harrogate’s Hotel du Vin all up for grabs.

And last but not least is a family day pass to Stockeld Park’s magical Christmas experience, including entry into all four adventure zones and a tree to take home.

New lots will be announced every week until Saturday, December 7. The money raised for the Alzheimer’s Society will go directly to help people in Yorkshire who are affected by dementia, helping to fund local services such as the charity’s Singing for the Brain choir groups and dementia cafes.

Alzheimer’s Society chief executive Jeremy Hughes said: “We are delighted that the Yorkshire Post has chosen to support our work in its Christmas Appeal 2013.

“The money raised will fund services providing direct help to people living with dementia and their carers in Yorkshire.”

This year’s appeal is being sponsored by Leeds law firm Clarion, which regularly works with the charity’s service users to advise them on legal issues patients and their families may face following a dementia diagnosis.

Managing partner Mark Burns said: “By sponsoring this charity we at Clarion are doing our little bit to reinforce our commitment to the fight against dementia.”

The auction is being managed again this year by Harrogate-based Cicada Communications.

Managing director Di Burton said: “Dementia is a huge issue or us all and we applaud the work of the Alzheimer’s Society in providing such vital services in Yorkshire for people with dementia and their families.

“I’d urge everyone to get behind this year’s auction and provide as much support as they can.”

• View this week’s auctions and bid now