Children’s charity Barnardo’s is saying a fond farewell to its longest-serving store manager in the South West.
Judith Loughlin, who has led the Kingsway Precinct staff and volunteers for 29 years, retired last month.
Under her leadership the shop has helped to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for vulnerable and disadvantaged children across the UK.
Judith joined Barnardo’s on her 31st birthday after previously working in a local supermarket. She began as a deputy manager but was soon promoted to manager.
Now aged 60, Judith said, “My mother used to volunteer in the Barnardo’s store in Frome and it was she who persuaded me to apply.
“When I first walked through the door I wondered if I was doing the right thing. Back then it was like the stereotypical view of a charity shop, with racks and racks of clothes and big piles of donations. Today it’s much more professional and the stores are an integral part of the charity’s fundraising efforts.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better team. They’re all magnificent and their dedication is amazing. I’ve watched young people come in as volunteers and then grow up and get married, and then they invite their own children to volunteer too – in some cases I’ve been supported by three generations of the same family!
“It’s also been so nice to make friends with the donors and shoppers. The generosity of the people of Frome has been magnificent. It’s great to know that we’ve all worked together to raise so much money for so many children.”
Last year the Kingsway Precinct store received more than 10,000 bags of donations, and was supported by 35 volunteers who are aged from 15 to 83 years old.
Expensive donations have included a Rolex watch, diamond rings and silverware but there have also been unusual donations including two litres of oil and half a pound of liver!
Volunteers have also discovered hundreds of pounds of cash in the pockets of donated coats – which were able to be returned to the owners as they had registered their details for Gift Aid.
Judith’s team works so quickly that she was once shocked to discover that her own handbag, left in a back room, had been priced and put on display.
David Longmore, Barnardo’s’ deputy director of retail sales operations, paid tribute to Judith.
He said, “Judith has been our longest-serving manager in the South West and has made an outstanding contribution to the charity.
“Not only has she made a huge impact on the lives of so many staff, volunteers, shoppers and donors over the years, but she has also made a huge difference to the lives of so many others who she will never meet – the children and young people who enjoyed a brighter future thanks to her tireless fundraising.
“Judith will be sincerely missed by everyone in the charity but we wish her the very best for her well-deserved retirement.”
The Barnardo’s Kingsway Precinct store is open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm and Sunday from 10am to 4pm.
The team always welcomes good-quality clothes, books, toys, games, accessories and bric-a-brac as well as offers of help from potential volunteers. For more information call 01373 463513.
