Charity for homeless to set up shop

Charity volunteers are busy redecorating and setting up a former town centre arts and crafts shop.

Cross’s Arts, Crafts and Framing closed in March this year after nearly 30 years of trading at the shop in Bank Street.

Now workmen for the homeless charity, Emmaus Dover, are busy kitting out the shop which will become a furniture and electrical store.

Emmaus Dover community manager Debbie Stevenson said the charity is currently supporting 28 homeless people in the town, where there are already two stores and a third store in Canterbury.

She said: “We are looking to open the new shop in Ashford in mid-January next year. It will sell furniture which has been donated by the public that we sell on, or it might be furniture from our workshops which has been renovated.

“All the money raised in sales from our shops helps to fund our project here, where people live, work and can volunteer in the community.”

To find out more about the charity visit www.emmaus.org. uk/dover The annual ladies’ night at Dobbies The annual ladies’ night at Dobbies Ashford raised £1,630 for its charity partner Teenage Cancer Trust.

Last Thursday’s fun-filled evening included sampling, demonstrations, complimentary treatments and Christmas shopping, providing visitors the chance to start the yuletide countdown in style.

Guests enjoyed a glass of fizz and canapés, as well as live music. From making Christmas cocktails and party food, to advice on caring for a real tree from the plant experts, guests learned insider tips and tricks to make the most of the festive season.

So far, Dobbies partnership Dobbies ladies’ night at the store in Ashford with Teenage Cancer Trust has raised a total of £126,412 across its 34 UK stores.

Sherrianne Spearpoint, gen- eral manager of the store in Rutherford Road on the Eureka Retail Park said: “Ladies’ night is always great fun and officially kicks off the festive season in style. It’s always a hit with our customers who come along not only to pamper themselves, but also to support our Christmas charity partner, this year the fantastic Teenage Cancer Trust.”

Linda Noon, head of fundraising at Teenage Cancer Trust, said: “Our Christmas partnership has been a huge success so far and we can’t thank Dobbies customers enough for all their kind donations. Christmas is a time for giving and customers at the Ashford store did not disappoint.”

Front row, left to right: Paula Chegwin and Kathy Walters; back row left to right: Matt Chegwin, Beth Read, Sarah Guy, Becca Walters, Amy Walters and Mike Walters

Funds were raised for the Teenage Cancer Trust

There was plenty to enjoy

Picture: Matt Bristow Cross’s art shop in Bank Street is being converted into a charity shop