27 Jan 2016 Shop News

Kirkburton shop celebrates big move

Kirkwood's firmly established Kirkburton charity shop had an official re-opening on Wednesday, after moving to new premises just around the corner.

The Hospice took the decision to relocate its Kirkburton shop to the former Co-op premises after it became available last year. It is a move which we hope will encourage more shoppers to support the Hospice.

Despite the gusty conditions, eager shoppers turned out in force to grab a bargain as inventor, author, TV presenter and former Examiner columnist Wilf Lunn cut the official ribbon.

“It was nice to be asked to cut the ribbon.” said Wilf. “I live just down the road here in Kirkburton. It’s great that the shop has come across the road and expanded.

“I have a lot of grandchildren and we all love coming here and looking at the toy section. They always ask me ‘are we going to the charity shop?’ My wife regularly comes in to find her books here too. It’s a really popular place.”

“When I used to do quiz shows like ‘The Object in Question’ and ‘Patently Obvious’, I would go around looking for stuff to use. I think one of the first things I bought was in a Kirkwood shop.”

The new location is a complete contrast to the former premises and shop manager Maisie Weir is delighted to have more than doubled the retail space.

“There has been a shop in Kirkburton since 2009, so you could call this our 7 year itch.” joked Maisie on moving just across the road.

“The shops space here is fantastic. To be able to have this amount of items on display is just amazing. We’ve now got a men’s section and a really big toy area, which were impossible in the past.”

Kirkwood’s network of shops help to raise around £2 million each year for the Hospice, which provides specialist palliative care for people across Kirklees, as well as supporting their family and friends during their loved one’s illness and in bereavement.

There was lots of interest locally during the refurbishment, with passers-by keen to know when the new shop would be open for business.

“It’s been quite an exciting time in the last couple of weeks, especially here in the village.” said Maisie.

“A lot of people have been asking when we are opening and we’ve had lots of shoppers here this morning to support us. We hope to be able to entice a lot more people to come in on a regular basis and to raise more money for Kirkwood.”

Maisie reserved special praise for her staff and volunteers, who worked tirelessly to ensure the shop was ready for its official opening.

“I’d like to thank my fabulous staff; Janet, Anna and Vicky, who have worked lots of extra hours. There was a mountain of work to do and they have got through it with good grace and good humour.

“I’d also like to thank the volunteers who came to help. They are superb, the best volunteers anyone could ever hope for.”

Kirkwood Hospice’s new shop is located at 66 North Road, Kirkburton and is open Monday – Saturday, 9am – 5pm.