Geoffrey Palmer reopens Risborough charity shop (From Bucks Free Press)

Geoffrey Palmer reopens Risborough charity shop

2:55pm Wednesday 26th January 2011 in News

ACTOR Geoffrey Palmer drew the crowds when he unveiled a new-look charity shop for Princes Risborough.

The Risborough branch of the Iain Rennie Hospice at Home has had a thorough freshen up and facelift, including a new sign for the shop’s frontage, new flooring and new fittings.

The celebrity - a long-term supporter of the charity - declared the shop open on Friday.

The shop first opened its doors to the general public in 1999 and since then has enjoyed support from residents in terms of volunteers, items donated and custom.

The refurbishment formed part of the charity’s drive to improve its chain of shops, and comes after two successful renovations at the charity’s Hemel Hempstead shops.

Lesley Blencowe , head of IRHH’s retail & trading said: “Our 11 charity shops are a visible presence for IRHH in our local community. We’re very fortunate to enjoy excellent support from local residents, but we’re conscious that many customers aren’t aware of the full service that we offer as a charity. The refurbishment means the new and improved Princes Risborough shop will provide an enhanced shopping experience for our customers as well as spreading the IRHH message. We want all our customers to be aware that their support helps us give patients in the Chilterns with a life-limiting illness the chance to be cared for at home.”

She added that thanks to the support of our local community, the shops bring in 20 per cent of the charity’s running costs, and proceeds from our Princes Risborough store alone could fund as many as six Iain Rennie nurses for a whole year.