OF the many things that mothers pass to their daughters, few can have had the impact of the Durham Shopping Extravaganza. Harnessing the collective organisational power of women – and their ability to shop – the annual event has raised more than £460,000 and helped nearly 100 charities in the 30 years since it was founded.

That founding group of women, most now in their 70s, stepped aside some years ago, only to pass the baton on to their daughters and daughters-in-law, who came forward to continue the event.

This year, as the DSE prepares for its 30th event in October, all the volunteers, most professional women with careers, children or grandchildren, have agreed it will be the last. They are aiming to go out with a bang by taking the final total raised close to an incredible half a million pounds.

Charity fundraising was at the heart of the DSE when it began and has always been its foundation and principal mission. One of the founders, Virginia Trotter, recalls how the original group, comprising herself, Sally Fenwick, Rose Salvin, Jill Edwards and Kate Bonas, came together initially to help raise money for another friend whose husband ran boys’ clubs.

One day Virginia returned north after dropping in on a shopping event in Shropshire. “We stopped just to have a look. The stalls were run by people who didn’t have their own shops and I thought it such a good idea that when I came back north I suggested we do something similar,” she says. Kate remembers: “We were young wives and mothers and already had a committee who ran coffee mornings and lunches. We were all keen and had the energy then to do something bigger.”

The first event in 1988 was held at Lumley Castle, near Chester-le-Street, and was in aid of Teesdale PHAB, which provides opportunities for disabled people. They also started a long tradition of selling Christmas cards on behalf of charities.

At the time Kate's daughter Anna Bonas was studying at Durham University and had a friend, Oliver Tress, who had returned from a trip to Hong Kong with a pile of silk bomber jackets. “Anna asked if he could have a stall at the event because he’d just been selling to student friends,” explains Kate.

When Anna and Oliver finished their degrees, they decided to go into business together – and the national brand Oliver Bonas was born. Although she's no longer part of the business, Anna and Oliver remain friends, and his company now has 70 fashion and homeware shops across the UK.

The DSE continues to be a family affair for the Bonas family, with Kate’s daughter-in-law Rachel having sold her soft furnishings there in the past, and Kate’s husband and friend providing musical entertainment.

As the event grew, after a couple of years the Durham Shopping Extravaganza moved to Sedgefield Racecourse. “I can’t remember how many stalls we had in those days, but I shouldn’t think it was more than 20. We thought that was really hard work – now they have 70," says Virginia.

By this time, Lady Sarah Nicholson had joined the team and a new venue – Ramside Hall Hotel – was identified. The DSE remained there for around 15 years, moving then to Darlington Arena and, in 2012, to Wynyard Rooms. Virginia’s daughter-in-law Niki Trotter and Kirsty Robeson oversaw the return to Ramside Hall Hotel. Later, Chairs Nicky Swan and Juliet, Lady Gray, of Eggleston Hall, brought a modern feel to marketing the DSE with the introduction of hot pink branding.

Rose Salvin’s daughter Caroline Broadfoot has also been Chair, while Sally Fenwick’s daughter Carolyn Ramsbotham has played a major role, in particular securing significant raffle prizes. “We were absolutely thrilled,” says Virginia. “We thought the whole thing would pack up but instead the daughters, daughters-in-law and their friends took it on and it’s just got bigger and bigger and raised more and more money.”

What sets it apart from other events is the family feel it has retained over the years, even when the original generation stepped aside. Kate explains: “Many of the stallholders didn’t want to pay for overnight accommodation so we invited them to stay with us. We got to know them and they got to know us and our families.”

One of the early supporters was Marguerite Todd, who, with husband Anthony, still travels back to their native North-East from Cornwall every year for the DSE.

The couple, who used to farm near Wolsingham, are the longest serving stallholders.

Stallholders are asked to donate ten per cent of their takings over the two days to the charity fund, which is boosted by entry fees and raffle ticket sales. The DSE has also been supported by corporate sponsors. Lycetts have provided the event insurance since the beginning – only one claim has ever been received, from a lady who claimed the sticky entrance badge damaged her suede jacket. Support from BHP Law, Brewin Dolphin, Parklane Plowden Chambers and Sherwoods has paid for the venue, AA traffic signs, marketing, printing and so on over the years.

A number of celebrities have appeared at events, including Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson, Kate Adie CBE, writer Anne Fine OBE, news presenters Edward Stourton and Sue MacGregor, and Clarissa Dickson Wright, of Two Fat Ladies fame.

Since 2015, Nicky Swan has remained as co-Chair, each tiny new addition to her family of four sons being a regular feature of DSE meetings. “I didn’t know what I was getting myself into, but I’m very proud of what we’ve achieved,” says Nicky. “We are putting everything into this final event with the aim of reaching £500,000.”

PHAB, the very first recipient in 1988, year will benefit once again – along with Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Services (UTASS), the North East Autism Society and Grace House Hospice in Sunderland.

• The 2018 Durham Shopping Extravaganza is at Ramside Hall Hotel, near Durham, on Wednesday, October 10 from noon-8.30pm (with a free drink after 5pm) and Thursday, October 11 from 10am-4pm. W: durhamshoppingextravaganza.co.uk; F: DurhamShoppingExtravaganza