4th October 2019

TV and radio presenter Mike Read was in Littlehampton yesterday to officially open Guild Care’s new charity superstore and donation centre.

Mike travelled down from the United DJs studio, where he presents the UDJ Breakfast Show, and was greeted by Guild Care’s CEO Suzanne Millard and Littlehampton deputy mayor Cllr David Chace.

Cutting the ribbon to officially open the new store, Mike said: “With charity shops, it is a fiercely competitive area; you really are fighting other charities. That said, I believe we are the fourth most giving country in the world, after Ireland. We encourage you to give. Charity shops are great because you can get some good bargains.”

Mike Read cutting the ribbon with the deputy mayor of Worthing, Cllr David Chace

Mike revealed he had snapped up a book bargain himself, paying £1 for two Peter James books to add to his collection. And he explained how a fan who missed him at a book signing 20 years returned to see him today. He explained: “A lady came to a poetry book signing on behalf of her son who was ill at the time. Unfortunately, she didn’t get it signed and her son has since passed away. But she came in to the store today and I signed the book for her which she said has bought her some closure.”

The deputy mayor Cllr David Chace welcomed Guild Care to Littlehampton and thanked the Worthing-based charity for its hard work. He added: “This is fantastic with such a mix of items. I’m sure the local community will support the shop and it will be a real asset to Littlehampton.”

The first shoppers entering the store

Dozens of people arrived at the store for as it opened to the public for the first time. One of the first shoppers through the doors was Evelyn Mercer. She said: “This is a really nice shop, it’s very open with lots of different things. I’ll definitely be coming back.”

Gemma Warner, another shopper who was with her toddler son, bought some wellies, t-shirts and toys. She added: “The prices are good not too expensive, it’s very spacious and welcoming.”

Percy Nowell, a Guild Care Trustee, said: “We wanted something similar to The Greenhouse, our superstore in East Worthing. Something larger than a normal charity shop. This site is ideal as it has room for a sorting area for our donations and a store room.”

Cllr David Chace with member of the Guild Care team

Suzanne Millard, Guild Care’s CEO, said: “We really are very excited about launching a new charity superstore and donation centre here in Littlehampton. We really hope the local community will support it by shopping there as well as donating items.

“If you have a spare few hours spare in the day and would be interested in volunteering at the superstore, then please do get in touch. You could be sorting and pricing stock or serving customers behind the till, all for a good cause.”

The shop and donation centre will be open for 7 days a week, please contact the store via phone on 01903 722787 for times.

For more information, contact Guild Care’s Customer Services Team on 01903 327327, email [email protected], or visit www.guildcare.org.