Chesterfield Bluebell Wood shop raises more than £90,000 in first year

The charity shop on Packers Row officially opened its doors last year on March 18.

To mark the one-year anniversary, the shop hosted a fun day of activities including a tombola and gifts for customers on Friday.

Shop manager, Jayne Smith, aged 37, who lives in Retford, said: “When we first opened the generosity of people was absolutely unreal.

“The last year has flown by. It has been a good year and we have loved it.

“We have had lots and lots of comments from people to say how nice the shop is and how friendly the volunteers are.”

The shop has 25 volunteers, from as young as 14 to people in their 60s.

The volunteers are mainly based within the town, but some travel in from Sheffield, Worksop and surrounding areas.

“I can’t thank my volunteers enough, they are amazing,” Jayne said.

“My volunteers make it so much more than just a job for me.”

One of the volunteers, Neil Burman, aged 52, of Victoria Street West, Brampton, Chesterfield, joined the Bluebell Wood team in April.

“When I first came here I was a scheme but when that scheme ended I decided to carry on,” Neil said.

“There is a nice atmosphere here and we have a bit of banter.”

The shop stocks a selection of excellent quality pre-owned clothes, books and DVDs.

The charity offers care and support to children with a shortened life expectancy, both in their own homes and at Bluebell Wood.

In the next year, Jayne says that their aim is to raise more awareness

She said: “We want to let people know that we are here so they can support this fantastic charity.”

The shop is open Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm. Call 01246 540 952.