Mums open charity shop to buy school football pitch


19 December 2009 08:00



Two mums are helping a high school towards its goal of a new football pitch by opening a charity shop in Great Yarmouth.

In a scheme believed to be the first of its kind, Jenni Bailey and Liz Armstrong came up with the idea to help Caister High School obtain a new astroturf playing surface.

Caister High School Sports Department Charity Shop opened on Saturday in Broad Row, with all profits going towards the cost of the project.

Mrs Bailey, 48, whose twin boys attend the school, said: “The idea came up after a parents' meeting, and we were listening to the fact that they had a buying wish-list but not the money.

“We sat down and discussed what could be done, and I thought: 'Why not have a charity shop?' If it goes well I'm sure it will catch on.”

Andy McMillan, community sports development teacher at Caister High, said: “We want to give our thanks to them for getting involved with helping the school, as it provides a direct link between us and the local community in terms of raising money.”

Among goods to be bought were three vanloads given by a nearby caravan park. Shoppers had a choice of everything from salt and pepper shakers to computer desks.

Mrs Bailey, from Gorleston, estimated that about £100 had been made in the first two days alone. She added: “It's brought out the charitable nature of local people, and I was really impressed.”

The shop has 10 volunteers and will be staffed permanently by Mrs Armstrong's 20-year-old daughter Ruth, who until recently has been working at the British Heart Foundation shop in Yarmouth.

Miss Armstrong said: “I got involved because I think it is a good cause to raise money for the children like this and help

them in school. I found it quite easy, and I'm loving it at the minute.”

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