PipnSox is a very, very special rose and most members will know why but for any new members who might not be sure I'll give you the story below. It's
extra, extra special as this is likely to be the last one auctioned. The gentleman helping us did say he was a 'rose' breeder and not propagator.
Unless the other RG members who are the select few to have this rose are into propagating this will be your last chance to own such a unique rose.
So bid on this one while its available! All proceeds will go, of course, to RG.
PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A FIVE DAY AUCTION the rose needs to be sent to it's new home asap.
The story
And now the background for those who don't know or want a reminder:
Pip and Sox founded RG after things went a bit astray on another site they were members of. (Incidentally, the tax office probably knew them as Eve and Mike.)
Very sadly Sox passed away a few years ago. Obviously a devastating time for our beloved Pip but also a very sad loss to those who knew him from RG.
Many people in RG, including comparative newbies, wanted to show their appreciation of the co-founder of a site that not only addresses gardening but so much more. RG is a very important place, in different ways, to most of us.
Members decided that, as one lasting tribute, they wanted to have a rose named after Sox and so those that could gave a donation.
Labonne (Lesley) volunteered to become treasurer and collected the pennies.
The other key person was Bunny (Freddie) who followed up on a rose breeder and gave some options to choose from new unnamed roses.
At this point Salli got roped in to draw up a database so RGers could vote on the rose.
A rose was chosen. Unfortunately things weren't as simple as that and a few things went awry bless Bunny who kept on the case!
Finally, just before Christmas, the roses arrived at Bunnys and, as any good gardener would, she potted them up.
Salli did the dash to collect them and she and Kitty met up at Pips having told Pip they were just popping in to say hello to hand them over.
That has to have been the best-kept secret in RG! (Maybe the only kept secret in RG?
And on a more formal note, the certificate of authentication reads:
This is to certify that the rose is to be known as
PipnSox
Has been named for Mike Pavitt
Beloved husband of Eve
and a friend to many
Co-founder of the Real Gardeners Website
This auction will end at 12.00 noon RGT on Monday 10th March 2008
(and I don't normally 'do' roses!!)
from Christine
Sumfinks up I can't post the gavel BUT it's yours Dawm
Just get the pennies off to Pip and I'll get the rose off to you 
