Happy tales needed for milestone in Ludlow
From repairing old furniture to running community centres, it has been quite a journey over the last two decades for the South Shropshire Furniture Scheme.
Today, the Ludlow-based charity runs both Craven Arms Community Centre and the Rockspring Centre in Ludlow.
To mark its anniversary the organisation is asking for people to come forward with stories about how they have been helped, as well as making a fresh drive for fundraisers and volunteers.
General manager James Cooper said: "We're not just trying to meet the needs of people who need furniture now, but also looking at why they're in a position that they need the furniture, whatever reason that might be – which is why we moved into the community centre world.
"We want to provide training opportunities and empower people."
He said furniture was still at the heart of of the social enterprise.
"The carpentry workshop is where we restore and repair furniture donated to us by the public," he said. "We have volunteers who work two days a weekand then it goes on sale at our Renaissance Centre on Tower Street, and all funds go back into the charity. It subsidises the front line work we do with people in need. Some furniture goes out to people in need, but some of the things that come in are antique.
"If it's something like a Welsh dresser or a large dining table the best value is to restore it and get a good price and then we can use that money for the charity.
"It allows people to give something back to the community while also learning new skills."
People with stories are urged to call (01584) 877751.
