Volunteers and furniture needed for venture

The shop, which will sell second-hand furniture, will operate from an empty unit at Station Hill, formerly Taylor’s motorcycle shop.

It will be the second furniture store opened by the charity, with the first being in Melksham.

Head of retail James McDonald said: “When the Station Hill premises became available, we saw it as an excellent opportunity to extend our furniture operation into the northern part of the area covered by Dorothy House.

“Our first furniture store, in Melksham, has been running successfully for many years and is due to expand before the end of this year.”

The charity has taken over the entire building, which is 888 square metres, including the accessory shop and garage workshop, for the storage of furniture.

It will be the largest in the Dorothy House network, and the charity has asked for donations of good-quality furniture and electrical goods to stock the store ahead of its official opening on Wednesday.

Mr McDonald said: “In addition to our appeal for donated items, we are looking for volunteers to work at the new shop in various roles, including testing electrical goods and moving furniture, as well as on the shop floor and tills.

“Call the manager on (01249) 658820 if you can spare even a couple of days a month – all our volunteers receive full training.

“We need support to make this venture a great success, helping us to help more families affected by cancer and other life-threatening conditions.”

The manager of the shop will be Kelly James, who has managed the clothes shop at The Bridge in the town.

Items needed for the shop include suites, lounge furniture, dining tables and chairs, coffee tables, bookcases, sideboards, beds, bedroom furniture, TVs, DVD players, hi-fi equipment, fridges and washing machines, although good-quality bric-a-brac can be taken.

Goods can be picked up from addresses in Chippenham, Calne, Devizes, Corsham, Malmesbury, Bradford on Avon and Bath.

Call (01249) 658820 to arrange free collection.