Shop news and events

Autumn 2011 news

A small screen debut, vintage sales and model photoshoots - it's been a busy few months for our charity shops! Here's a round-up of the latest news.

Stars of the small screen

Lachlann Finigan, a student of film and television, has created three fantastic short films about our shops as part of his coursework. The first is an overview of the shops and volunteering, the second a wonderful description by Lilias Finlay of a wicker basket made for her baby during the war and the third a comic masterpiece by Agnes, Frances and Jessie! You can see the films by searching for the Doo'cot on Facebook.

Stockbridge

Diane Sutherland (pictured above) took over the Stockbridge managerial reigns from Linda Boston in April. Diane previously volunteered in the West End shop and for the past five years she has been part of a fundraising team for a hospital and school in Embangweni, Malawi, which she visited earlier this year. Whilst clearing out a cupboard in the shop, Diane discovered a fascinating scrap book of photos and news from the opening of the shop. There are many well kent faces which can be seen in the shop.

Morningside

It is so important to encourage young people to get involved with charity work, which is why the Morningside shop has joined forces with St Peter's Primary school. Groups of children visited the shop to learn how to sort and price items, create displays and use the till. Using the pricing gun was a particularly popular activity, as was trying to walk in some alarmingly high glittery red stiletto shoes! This in turn led to them donating toys to the shop and fundraising for St Columba's.

Leith

The Leith shop held a very successful Vintage sale at the end of May which drew crowds of eager shoppers. By 9am a patient queue lined the pavement, which had grown to 40 strong by opening time! One volunteer remarked that the re-stocking was like painting the Forth Road Bridge, as soon as you filled a rail, it was empty. At the end of the day, fortified only by sausage rolls, the team had taken over £2,000.

West End

Anna Beard in the West End shop has styled two extraordinary photoshoots using only items of clothing and accessories from the shop. The most recent, a Boho/Swimwear shoot by Cristina Cara Caso has been featured in a Spanish style magazine and the stunning photographs can be seen on the St Columba's West End Facebook page. Anna also has the photographs framed in the shop, which are well worth a visit.