Actor Susan Lynch made a welcome return to Longfield Community Hospice this week to relaunch the Minchinhampton-based charity’s furniture and clearance shop in Thrupp.
Susan, who has starred in Happy Valley, A Thousand Blows, Small Town Big Story, and Downton Abbey, previously visited in March 2023 to open the shop.
Snipping the ribbon, Susan said: “It’s a pleasure to be able to help Longfield Hospice which is such a great asset to the community.”
The shop has not only been reorganised but also expanded. Shoppers will find a treasure-trove of clearance clothing for women, men, and children, plus bric-a-brac, books, DVDs, and of course, furniture finds.
Head of Commerce and Estates, Debbie Linton was at the store to greet Susan and said: “We are looking forward to Longfield evolving to meet the changing needs of the charity shopper. Our furniture and clearance store refurb is the first step of many, and it was great that Susan could come along to support our work.
“It was a great boost to the team here who have been through a number of changes recently as we navigate some tough financial challenges like many hospices.
“While focusing on making our operations more efficient, we are also keen to ensure we are adapting to the changes that impact the retail sector – charity or otherwise.”
The hospice is also keen to stress that while donations are welcome, broken, dirty and incomplete donations cause a challenge to the staff and cost charities like Longfield money as they can’t be turned into much-needed funds for services. Pre-loved items make a big difference. Unloved items do not. Donors are urged to limit donations to three bags per visit.
Longfield Community Hospice supports patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families across Gloucestershire. The hospice, like many, is facing a financial crisis so if you wish to Give for the Love Of Longfield to keep services going for future generations then visit the Longfield Community Hospice website to find out more.
Longfield Furniture and Clearance Shop is now welcoming customers back in from 9.15am to 3pm Monday to Saturday (closed Wednesdays), Kingfisher Business Park, Thrupp.
