Thrifty spending supports St Barnabas Hospice

RAF Coningsby thrift shop makes a donation of £150 every quarter to a local charity and this time they have chosen St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice.

Shop volunteer Jane Fido lost her Mum, Janet Silva, to cancer in February.

Janet was also a volunteer for the Thrift shop and supported them for almost nine years.

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“We wanted to donate to the hospice as they offer so much care and support to sufferers of cancer and their families, at a time when they need it most,” said Jane.

The donation was matched by the Station Charities Committee, which meant £300 was handed over to Ann Randall, Community Liaison officer for the hospice

“The very generous donation today will go towards continuing to support our hospice at home team in the local area,” she said.

“Their visits to patients and their families enable those with life limiting illnesses to remain in familiar surroundings and give St Barnabas’ support to all affected.

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“Donations such as this ensure our staff can help those in need within such a rural setting.”

Sarah Jane Eggleton, Thrift Shop Manager, presented £150 to Ann Randall, Community Liaison officer for the hospice and Squadron Leader Abdullah, Deputy Chair of the RAF Coningsby Station Charities Committee, presented a cheque matching the donation from the Station.

Historically, the Thrift Shop was known as the place everyone dumped the stuff they couldn’t give away, but this is far from the case at RAF Coningsby.

The shop is bright, the items are well presented and of great quality, and the staff are very friendly. Manager Sarah Jane said: “The shop was closed about five years ago and when it re-opened it had undergone a complete and thorough revamp.

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“Now we’re really careful about the quality of the items we take in and make sure that we are selling great items for brilliant prices

“Some of the ball gowns we stock have only ever been worn once and are priced as little as £4.”

The main problem, however, is the lack of volunteers and also getting the message out to the local community that it is open and available for the civilian population too.

If you could spare a couple of hours a week to help in the Thrift Shop, email [email protected] or drop in and have a chat with Sarah Jane.

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The shop is located in the overflow car-park on the immediate right through the Station Main gate.

It is open on Tuesday 9am to 12 noon and 6pm to 7pm; Thursday 9am to 12 noon.

They also have a Facebook page with details of the items they have in stock too - RAF Coningsby Thrift Shop.