A Fender Classic Vibe Telecaster, autographed by all members of the globally acclaimed band Coldplay, has successfully raised £3,500 at auction. The charity event aimed to generate funds for two village schools, Rode and Norton, situated near Frome in Somerset.
The generous donation of the guitar to the schools proved to be a significant boon, as the proceeds will be allocated towards enhancing various aspects of the educational institutions. This includes investments in play equipment, heating systems for the school buildings, and supporting the operation of a minibus.
Jill Clay, spokesperson for Friends of Rode and Norton Schools, expressed astonishment at the outcome, stating, “We put it on auction for 99p 10 days ago. So, we were completely shocked to raise so much for our school. It’s incredible. The guitar was donated to us by a friend of the school, and we’re very grateful to Coldplay for signing it.”
The autographs of all four Coldplay members – lead singer Chris Martin, guitarist Jonny Buckland, bassist Guy Berryman, and drummer Will Champion – adorned the sought-after Classic Vibe Telecaster.
The auction attracted international attention, with bids pouring in from various corners of the globe, including Japan, Germany, and America.
“We don’t know who the buyer is, but it’s off to America,” mentioned Ms. Clay. “This money raised will make a huge difference to the schools,” she added, emphasizing the positive impact of the auction on the educational facilities in Rode and Norton.
The success of this charitable initiative underscores the power of collaboration between the local community, music icons like Coldplay, and the broader international audience that came together to support the cause.