A FROME charity shop which had to cancel a major fundraising event due to the pandemic, has come up with a clever solution which could still enable it to raise thousands of pounds.
The Barnardo’s store in Kingsway Precinct planned a spectacular Wedding Fayre featuring dozens of donated dresses and other outfits.
The event had to be cancelled due to the coronavirus, but the charity was determined to find a way to share the dazzling display with brides-to-be and their families.
So volunteer Sekena Williams created a ‘wedding album’ featuring all of the outfits. Shoppers can flick through the pages in the store before arranging an appointment for a closer look.
More than 50 wedding dresses are available, together with outfits for bridesmaid and page-boys, as well as an impressive collection of veils, hats, shoes and suits.
Barnardo’s manager Hazel Bardsley said, “We’re very grateful to Sekena for producing the album.
“All of the items have been generously donated by the local community and are in perfect condition – some even had their original price tags attached.
“They range from the plain and simple to the ‘fairy princess’-style. There are lots of long trains and gorgeous embroidery.
“They were far too good to be left in a storeroom until we could try to arrange another event, so the album seemed the best way to share them with potential buyers.
“It includes colour photos, descriptions, sizes and prices – none of the dresses cost more than £150.
“Shoppers simply pick their favourite outfits and then arrange a quiet time to come back in when all of the items will be available for closer inspection, while ensuring there’s enough room to maintain physical distancing.
“It’s an opportunity to get a dream dress at a bargain price, while supporting a very worthy cause.”
The Barnardo’s store is open Monday-Saturday from 9am-5pm and on Sundays from 10am-4pm.
The charity continues to sell a wide range of clothes, books, toys, games, DVDs and accessories, with lots of special offers and discounts.
Call (01373) 463513. Barnardo’s also has a store in Forest Road Parade.
![Town-wide programme brings month of social activities in May
A month-long programme of activities and events is set to take place across the town in May as part of an initiative encouraging residents to connect with themselves, each other and local places.
The scheme, Frome Connects, will run throughout the month and includes a mix of social activities, creative events and informal meet-ups in community spaces.
Highlights include the return of Dress Up Fridays, which began during lockdown and invites people to wear formal clothing or fancy dress and turn the town into their catwalk each Friday.
Set-piece moments include a Kate Bush-themed flashmob (Running Up That [Catherine] Hill) on 30th May, followed by a bell peal at St John’s Church where the bells will play Running Up That Hill.
There will also be a whole-town drone photo on Friday 30th May, with everyone encouraged to ‘look up’ at around 12.30pm.
Read more on our website, the link is in our bio.
Pictured: l-r Jenny Hartnoll and Ginny Adams](https://scontent-lhr6-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/684201964_18069463433653265_2722712448142239347_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiRkVFRC5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=lpPD1lkIpzUQ7kNvwGc5hdb&_nc_oc=Adpzr2hnI58mBzDyMxcnkdK_pr7-84FAARfoTk3dgtKJKwIbvYouQytEkAdXpaUAvxU&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-lhr6-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=QKz5uslOl1wFJGffej9rcQ&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQEhS3JmIIRGVtdvc7NeDg-szHPgOZvSeqR7PYflJsqm1cp0XCNujCDPTyODWI0mmJV4mujraOr9&oh=00_Af2_0pgXuakjMTfphq9JSx7v6C2RU__qPFT1d7jQmFh5EA&oe=69F7C6AA "Town-wide programme brings month of social activities in May
A month-long programme of activities and events is set to take place across the town in May as part of an initiative encouraging residents to connect with themselves, each other and local places.
The scheme, Frome Connects, will run throughout the month and includes a mix of social activities, creative events and informal meet-ups in community spaces.
Highlights include the return of Dress Up Fridays, which began during lockdown and invites people to wear formal clothing or fancy dress and turn the town into their catwalk each Friday.
Set-piece moments include a Kate Bush-themed flashmob (Running Up That [Catherine] Hill) on 30th May, followed by a bell peal at St John’s Church where the bells will play Running Up That Hill.
There will also be a whole-town drone photo on Friday 30th May, with everyone encouraged to ‘look up’ at around 12.30pm.
Read more on our website, the link is in our bio.
Pictured: l-r Jenny Hartnoll and Ginny Adams")
