Sidemoor Age UK charity shop celebrates tenth birthday

When it opened on August 23, the shop was Age UK's Bromsgrove, Redditch and Wyre Forest (Age UK BRWF) first venture into retail.

The team now have eight shops across North Worcestershire, which raise over 60 per cent of the charity's income.

As part of the celebrations, the shop is organising its biggest ever raffle, including prizes donated by Asda Bromsgrove, Centre Flowers, Focal Image and Jukes Insurance.

Luke Wardle, manager of the charity shop on Providence Road, added: "Over the years I have worked in most of our eight shops, but having started in our Sidemoor shop, I've always gravitated back.

"In my time here I've come to see the important role that a charity shop can play in a community - it provides affordable shopping, recycles clothing in a sustainable way and raises vital funds for an important cause.

"It is also a place for people to come, often on a daily basis, and feel welcome and free to chat and to be part of our family."

Three volunteers, Val, Lyn and Babara have worked at the shop since it first opened its doors.

READ MORE

• One in six pupils in Worcestershire miss school due to Covid ahead of summer holidays
• Sajid Javid visits new business centre at Bromsgrove Library
• Housing provider holds family fun days across Bromsgrove

Val said: "It is a hardworking shop, but the team always go above and beyond to make you feel appreciated and it is a really happy working environment, with a sense of family.

"The shop has lots of regular customers, because people know that it is a place where they will always be made to feel welcome, plus they can find a wide range of items at really good prices."

Barbara said it has been a pleasure to volunteer and she has met so many lovely people.

Lyn added: "It has been a joy to watch this shop develop into the lovely place that it now is.

"Its success is due totally to the dedication and vision of Sue and the team who are constantly seeking ways to improve and to ensure that there is the right mix of items in the store.

"There used to be a stigma associated with charity shops, but people are now starting to recognise the role that charity shops can play in supporting the environment – one man’s unwanted items can be another man’s treasures."

Tickets for the raffle will are on sale and can be purchased form the charity shop.