St George's Charity Shop

Well what a week that was! Our shop was a long unfurnished shell full of builders rubble, cement and other detritus when we arrived on the first stocking up day. No loos, no water, no floor, but what fun we had getting it ready for the big day! I can't believe that the congregation had stored so much for us in their bedrooms, cupboards and garages. Tony and his trailer delivered pile after pile to us during our stocking week. Eventually we had so much stored on our trestle tables (how glad I am that I was persuaded not to throw them away when Father Malcolm left!) that we had to fill the rooms at the back with reserve items to be brought out as stuff was sold.

We had a good selection. Bric-a-brac of all sorts and sizes filled two tables. There was a corner entirely filled with toys, furniture and garden things at the back, tools and books and clothes on hanging rails. Everything you could think of.

Our first trading day on Monday was amazing. I don't think we had a quiet minute. I stood at the front and Anna at the back, bringing out fresh things to sort and helping people take heavier items to their cars. In between, our volunteers worked up and down, helping with enquiries and changing things around so the customers got fresh views of them. A strange ethos evolved as time went on. I would be shown an item, give a price and the customer would give me a bit more! All in a good cause they would chant happily. My surprise sale of the week was the exercise bike. I kept an eye out for fit young things who might be persuaded to take it. In the end Pam Hawton bought it. She had been advised by her consultant it was just the thing to exercise her knees!

We had flurries of snow and sleet but nothing seemed to put people off. We got regulars who we came to know and who popped in every day looking for fresh bargains. Some had seen us in The News, some saw the notice outside church or those around town and yet others saw us as they passed. All agreed it was great and couldn't we carry on there for a few more weeks...or for ever? It was almost like a party as we met them again and again. A great feeling of togetherness came about amongst the helpers and I feel that it was a good outreach and witness in the town that St George's is alive and well.

We raised £1800 and thanks go to Anna, all the willing helpers, those who gave items and those who spent and gave donations. It really was a wonderful effort. Those who came in day after day were buying for themselves but also had a bit of a glow feeling they were helping. It was good getting to know them and I hope they felt the same way.

Jane Rice-Oxley