‘One-stop’ Rowans shop opens

A NEW Rowans Hospice shop opening in Park Gate is ready to open its doors to customers and raise funds for the charity.

Welcoming members of the public from yesterday, the new store in Bridge Road promises to be a one-stop shop for the community and will stock pre-loved homewares, bric-a-brac, clothing, shoes and accessories.

It will be open from Tuesday to Saturday each week. Carol Milner, director of people services and income generation, said: ‘We are delighted to have been able to acquire a shop in this area. Everybody is welcome and we look forward to sharing the new shop with you and providing a great service to the community.’

Rowans Hospice provides specialist end of life hospice care and support to patients with life-limiting and progressive illnesses resident in Portsmouth and South East Hampshire, as well as offering support for their relatives and carers.

All care is given without charge, and 90 per cent of income is generated through retail shops, fundraising events and donations. Carol said: ‘The past 18 months have been tough on everybody. The charity has struggled financially and would not have been able to have survived financially without the unwavering support of our loyal community and our retail staff and volunteers. They have been incredible.’ To donate to the shop, call the charity’s ‘Stop n Drop’ number on 023 9238 3611 or visit rowanshospice.co.uk. To volunteer email HR@ rowanshospice.co.uk or visit the website for an application form.