Highworth Lions charity shop reopens after three week refurb

The Highworth Lions store reopens <i>(Image: Dave Cox)</i>
The Highworth Lions store reopens (Image: Dave Cox)
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A popular Highworth charity shop brought roars of excitement as it reopened for the first time in weeks at the weekend.

The Highworth Lions store closed in December and has been shut for three weeks while they completed renovations 

The shop in Newburgh Place has been serving the community for more than 30 years and will continue to do so after reopening on January 14.

The shop refurbishment was carried out over a 3-week period by volunteers from Highworth Lions and professional services who gave up their Christmas holidays to do so. 

Improvements made in the shop include a new ceiling and LED lighting, installation of new shop displays and shelving, a brand new carpet, and a complete interior decoration throughout, with a total cost of around £10,000. 

Swindon Advertiser: Eager shoppers checking out the new Highworth Lions store after three weeks of renovationsEager shoppers checking out the new Highworth Lions store after three weeks of renovations (Image: Dave Cox)

Local businesses Equinox, Carpets 4 Less, and S&T Works provided labour and materials for free, while Magic Touch donated new clothing.

Highworth Town mayor Julie Murphy cut the ribbon to officially reopen the shop, and refreshments were provided for the store's grand reopening, donated by Tesco Express, Highworth.

The revamped store will have new items in stock on top of its usual wares, and offer cake, tea and coffee.

Highworth and District Lions members will also be on-hand to help and talk about the benefits of volunteering in-store or joining the group.

A spokesperson for Highworth Lions said: "The shop is often regarded as a lifeline for some who visit on a regular basis. It's also known as a community hub often customers will drop in and where a paperback book can be bought for 50p.

"We are very grateful and indebted to the generosity of everyone who helped with the renovations.

"Without the generosity of the people who make donations, the shop would not exist. In return, Highworth Lions are able to donate profits from the shop and other fundraising events throughout the year to local, national and international causes.

"We are always looking for new volunteers to join our club so please get in touch if you have a few hours spare and like to give something back to the community."

Swindon Advertiser: The newly refurbished Highworth Lions store on its grand reopeningThe newly refurbished Highworth Lions store on its grand reopening (Image: Dave Cox)

Lions is an international organisation that encourages ordinary people to 'extraordinary things' to help others and support good causes throughout the British Isles.

Globally the Lions have more volunteers in more places than any other service club organisation, and love to step forward to volunteer, help others and make things happen.

For more information about the Lions Clubs, visit https://lionsclubs.co/Public/

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