Being a moderately signed up geek, I am quite keen on Dr Who. Unlike some people I know (glares!), for me, it is just a bit of light entertainment, not The Meaning of Life™ as some seem to treat it.

Also, slightly heretical, but I prefer the pre-2005 episodes as they had a lot less special effects and generally more interesting plots!

However, I was still rather excited to see that Bonhams are going to sell off some of the BBC’s Dr Who memorabilia – which usually means public viewing days to have a look at the goodies. As usual, I can’t afford to buy anything, but I can go for a look.

Although public viewing days for auctions are normally free, this time they are being charged for – I guess Bonhams guessed it would be rather popular and spotted the opportunity to cash in on it – damn!

Entrance to the view and to the sale will be by catalogue only. Catalogues cost £15 and each catalogue admits two people. Children go free if accompanied by an adult, and a minimum of £5 from each catalogue sale will be donated to ‘Children in Need’.

Still, you do get the catalogue to keep, and sales catalogues do tend to be rather good quality – expect a lot of glossy photos and history about each prop.

PS: Yes, they are selling a DALEK – if you have a spare £5-£7,000 lying around.

The viewing days are:

Sun 21 February 11am – 3pm
Mon 22 February 9am – 4.30pm
Tue 23 February 9am – 4.30pm
Wed 24 February 9am – 12noon

More details on the Bonham’s website – the auction house is on Montpelier Street, just across from Harrods.

I think I might try to go on the Monday – as I suspect the place will be PACKED on the Sunday with lots of adult sized children ohhing and ahhing over the props.

It is probably a tiny bit naughty, but one often overlooked free event is to go to the viewing days at auction houses and have a look at the items being sold.

A really good one is coming up shortly at Christie’s on the Old Brompton Road – of Travel, Science and Natural History, a collection of old scientific instruments, books and drawings.

I tend to treat the viewings as a rare chance to see a museum display of private items put on display for just a few days.

This particular auction also includes a range of globes, which have facinated me ever since I was a kid.

You can see the full catalogue on the Christie’s website – mouse over the image for more details – and the valuation estimate (and weep).

The public viewing times are:

• Sat, April 4th – 10am – 4pm
• Sun, April 5th – 10am – 4pm
• Mon, April 6th – 9am – 7:30pm
• Tues, April 7th – 9am – 5pm

While open to the public, obviously, these are viewings aimed at potential buyers so I tend to bear that in mind when people want me to move out of the way.

Another upcoming event (which is being proactively promoted to the public) is a display of luxury motorcars, being auctioned by Bonhams at the RAF Museum in North London. You can spend time visiting the museum, and express a wistful longing sigh at the cars on display at the same time.