29 Apr 2026 Shop News

Shop Spotlight of the month - Almondbury

For many people in Almondbury, The Kirkwood shop is much more than a place to browse for pre-loved bargains. It is a welcoming space at the heart of the village, somewhere people can pop in for a chat, bring donations, meet familiar faces and know they will always be greeted with kindness.

That strong sense of community is what makes the shop so special for manager Liz Cunningham and long-serving volunteers Doreen Hoyle and Jenny Crofts, who between them have given decades of support to The Kirkwood through the Almondbury shop.



Liz recently marked two years with The Kirkwood and says the welcome she received at the Almondbury shop has been key to her enjoying the role so much. “I’ve worked for The Kirkwood for just a little over two years this month, which feels like a real milestone for me, and I can honestly say I’m absolutely loving it here. The team here has been incredible. From the moment I walked through the door, they made me feel so welcome. There are around 22 volunteers, along with my assistant manager Faith, and everyone has been so supportive. It’s never easy when a new manager comes in, but they really embraced me, and we’ve built a fantastic rapport. We all get on so well and there’s always a good laugh, which makes such a difference day to day.”



Although every Kirkwood shop has its own identity, Liz says Almondbury stands out for its busy nature and strong village feel. She said: “This shop is busy, which is great, but it also has a close-knit village atmosphere. You really feel like you’re part of the local community here, which is something I absolutely love about it.”

That community atmosphere is something that Doreen and Jenny, two of the shop’s dedicated volunteers, know all about. Doreen has volunteered at the shop for around 17 years and says The Kirkwood has become a huge part of her life. Her connection to the charity is also deeply personal, having known others cared for by The Kirkwood before her own husband died there during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Doreen shares: “My connection with The Kirkwood goes back before I started volunteering. I had a friend whose husband passed away in the hospice, and that really opened my eyes to the care that’s provided. I also lost a colleague there at a young age, so it made me very aware of just how important the hospice is.

“Six years ago, my own husband passed away at The Kirkwood. It was during COVID, which made it an incredibly difficult time, and I didn’t get the full hospice experience because of the restrictions. But even so, it reinforced how much you want to give something back.”

A former neonatal nurse for nearly 40 years, Doreen says the caring side of her working life has never left her, and that experience now helps her support customers who may be going through difficult times.

“Sometimes people come in to donate items after losing a loved one, and that can be very emotional for them. You can’t just take the bag and let them leave, you have to talk to them, support them and show a bit of empathy, because you can see how much it means. I think sometimes we might be the only people someone speaks to that day. That’s why it’s so important to take the time to talk and be kind, it can make a real difference.”

Jenny, meanwhile, has been part of the shop since it first opened in 2006. A retired nurse, she was looking for something meaningful to do after retirement and found exactly that with The Kirkwood.

“When I retired at 60, I knew I couldn’t just sit at home doing housework or gardening. When this shop was opening, I came along while it was being fitted out, filled in an application, and I’ve been here ever since.”

Like Doreen, Jenny believes her nursing background has helped shape the way she supports customers and fellow volunteers alike.

“I understand how to support people, especially those who may be bereaved or going through a difficult time. I’ve seen how important it is to handle people with care and compassion, and that stays with you. I’m probably one of the biggest supporters of hospices you’ll find. People need hope, and that’s what places like The Kirkwood provide. It’s not just about end-of-life care, it’s about dignity, compassion and making sure people are looked after properly.”



Together, Liz, Doreen and Jenny paint a picture of a shop that is about far more than simply raising money, although that remains central to everything they do. It is also a place where people feel seen, listened to and part of something bigger.

Liz said: “One of the most special things about this shop is that people don’t always come in just to shop. Sometimes we might be the only people they speak to that day. That really stays with you. It shows just how important these spaces are, not just for fundraising, but for people’s wellbeing too. It really does feel like a family here, not just the wider The Kirkwood family, but the Almondbury community as a whole. People pop in for a chat, and we always try to make time for them. That connection is such an important part of what we do.”

That same warmth is noticed by Jenny too, who says the village spirit of Almondbury plays a big part in what makes the shop work so well. Jenny said: “Almondbury is a real community village, people know each other, they look out for each other, and that really comes through in the shop. It’s a very friendly and welcoming place to be. What makes this shop work so well is the turnover of stock. We’re constantly refreshing what we have, which keeps it interesting for customers. We’re always coming up with new ideas too, and Liz is very good at involving us and asking for our input.”







From clothing and bric-a-brac to books, jigsaws and smaller furniture items, the shop offers a wide variety of stock, with warmer weather bringing even more life to the space as items can be displayed outside. The shop is also well known among local dog walkers, with treats always close to hand for four-legged visitors. Behind the smiles, conversations and sense of belonging, there is also a shared pride in knowing that every sale helps support The Kirkwood’s vital care. Doreen said: “I’m very proud to volunteer here, knowing that the money we raise goes directly towards supporting patient care at The Kirkwood makes it all worthwhile.

“The Kirkwood is absolutely vital to the community, the care provided in a hospice is very different to hospital care, especially at the end of life. It offers something incredibly special, and it’s so important that it continues to be there for people who need it.”

Jenny added: “The shops play such an important role because they help raise the money that keeps that care going. Everything we do here contributes directly to supporting the hospice, and that’s something that means a great deal to me.”

For Liz, that sense of purpose underpins every day in the shop, from creating a welcoming environment to keeping the tills ringing. She said: “We’ve worked really hard to create a homely, relaxed and welcoming environment in the shop. We want people to feel comfortable when they come in, whether they’re browsing, donating or just stopping by for a chat.

“Raising money for The Kirkwood is always at the forefront of what we do. The work the charity carries out is absolutely fantastic, and it needs as much support as possible. So the busier we are and the more we can keep the till ringing, the happier we are because we know it’s all going towards such an important cause.”

In Almondbury, The Kirkwood shop is clearly about much more than retail. It is a place built on compassion, community and conversation, powered by people who care deeply about one another and about the work of The Kirkwood. Through Liz’s leadership and the dedication of volunteers like Doreen and Jenny, it continues to be a warm and welcoming part of village life while helping to fund the specialist care that means so much to families across Kirklees.