However, for his visit to Singleton early next month, he will be, for the first time in his life, undertaking his work on-site at a waste management facility.

“I have valued in paddocks through to palaces but never before in my 30 years in the job have I valued pieces in a waste management facility,” he laughed.

He’ll be at the waste facility for the official opening of the Singleton Community Recycling Centre.

And recycling, according to Alex, is something he enthusiastically embraces.

“Well what happens to most antiques they are recycled – recycling is the new black,” he said.

“You take an object and find a new use, everyone can think of something used by their grandparents that is now used for something totally different.

“Look at beautiful wardrobes; once a status symbol but now almost redundant thanks to walk-in robes but the best are now being recycled into entertainment units.”

Alex is the principal valuer and auctioneer at the Sydney-based Ravenswick Antiques and he is coming to Singleton for the first time in 15 years.

He’ll spend time valuing items for local residents.

He is sure the people of Singleton will present some rare objects along with some everyday items that they truly value and love.

“I almost always see a pair of highly-glazed porcelain vases made in either Germany or France from 1880-1910 along with what’s left of Nana’s tea or dinner services - both the services were split between siblings on the death of their mother,” he said.

Alex, who has a very impressive CV and has worked both in Australia and overseas and worked as an advisor for governments, galleries and the Australian War Memorial, said he loves seeing the reactions from people when he is valuing and providing information of their particular item.

“Some people remain stony faced whereas others are ecstatic and very emotional,” said Alex, who without a doubt loves his job.

Among the wonders he has found over the years was $150,000 worth of Chinese ivory in a dusty wardrobe and a $60,000 vase in a spare room holding dead flowers.

Alex’s work often involves dealing with feuding families fighting over an estate.

“I have literally seen blood spilt on the floor; once when relatives were arguing over some German and Austrian silverware in a bank vault in the Sydney CBD – armed police needed to be called,” he said.

Alex said he never enjoyed that part of his work because of the stress and feeling the animosity between the various parties.

But, he enjoyed helping people discussing the history of their special pieces – the “where” and “what for” part of the job.

“And we do help  people when they find a valuable item left to them by Aunty Mable and they don’t know what to do – sell or keep it,” he said.

“I most often say I think your relative would prefer you enjoy the piece whichever way that may be.”

To book an appointment with Alex, please phone 6571 5888.

Singleton Community Recycling Centre will be officially opened on Saturday, August 8, and the community is invited to take part in a giant car boot sale at the Singleton Waste Management Facility.

All you have to do is fill the boot of your car with items you want to sell and head out to the Dyrring Road facility to take part.

The car boot sale will take place from 9am to 4pm and there is no cost to be involved, but you must register your interest in taking part by phoning the Singleton Visitor Information and Enterprise Centre on 6571 5888 for logistical purposes.