The Audlem Charity Shop

On the 6th , a happy group of the volunteers who so effectively run the shop, raising much need funds for many deserving well known charities and groups, gathered in the car park in readiness for our visit to St Luke's Hospice in Winsford.

I detail with this a gallery of the day in photographic form .

In total , the ladies boarded the Wheelie Boat bus , driven by fully signed up volunteer driver Sheila Julian.

The Shop team were-

Helen Beardshall. Carole Smith. Sheila Julian . Patricia Green. Daleta Harthern. Susan Grainger. Carol Rowley . Eddie Rowley. Alan and Brenda Cox . Angela Shelsby. Lynn Burchell . Val Machin. Carole Harker. Christine Towers .

We arrived at about 1300 to the headquarters. It is truly very impressive- in its buildings and cleanliness. Greeted by Claire Langston, director of Finance and Angela Slack, fundraising team member. Escorted to the dining room for a really fine afternoon tea and welcome drink.

Joined later by Clare Wolff, Nurse manger for the Inpatient unit and `Daytime hospice -- and long standing member of staff for 30 years

Clare gave us a very illuminating talk on the whole operation in an easily absorbed way. Her dedication to the job she has was very evident .

The hospice rates very high in all regulations of care quality . Changing as the world changes , with more outreach care in the community and working closely with sister hospices nearby.

We then climbed back in our vehicles and drove off to their huge warehouse ,where all donations are taken and sorted for onward sale in their shops -- and through eBay . A great place to do some Christmas shopping for the bigger items we cannot handle on our tiny shop.

A thoroughly educational afternoon and so good to see where the teams labours are collated , if not sold here in Audlem

Our charity shop has supported the hospice very well over the past 16 years or more and we intend to do so for many more to come .

Ralph Warburton.

Click on the photos to enlarge.