Three former Shropshire Relate shops to reopen under Rural Charity brand
Three shops which closed following the collapse of the Shropshire branch of Relate are set to reopen as part of a major new venture by a county charity.
The Shropshire and West Midlands Agricultural Society is taking on the shops in Shrewsbury, Oswestry and Wem under its new brand, The Rural Charity, with proceeds going to support the agricultural and rural community.
Bosses at the society, which organises the Shropshire County Show and also manages the Greenhous West Mid Showground in Shrewsbury, said they were excited about their new venture.
Ian Bebbington, society director, said: "It's a new development for the society and we are hoping it will bring in lots of funds to really help make a difference to people's lives.
"The society was first established in 1875 to support the rural community in Shropshire so this is helping us to go back to our roots really.
"We expect to be able to make donations to our supported schemes such as the National Young Farmer's organisation, Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution, and to individuals who find themselves in financial or other difficulties or who need retraining, financial support and temporary help."
The former Relate shops in Whitchurch Road in Shrewsbury, Wem High Street and Albion Hill in Oswestry are due to open in early December.
Many of the former staff members, including the area manager, are being taken on by The Rural Charity to provide the continuity of running the shops.
Ian said: "We are pleased to be able to keep some of the staff in employment, and we are now appealing for people to donate their unwanted items so we have plenty of stock to sell.
"The Oswestry and Wem shops are mostly focused on furniture, but we are happy to accept any good quality items.
"We have also had a great reaction from people at our regular car boot sales at the West Mid Showground, with many people donating items they have not sold.
"We have a new strapline for our Sunday morning car boots - if you don't sell it, donate it."
Anyone who would like to donate items for The Rural Charity shops can take them to the West Mid Showground in Shrewsbury.
For more details contact the showground office on 01743 289831 or find The Rural Charity on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheRuralCharity
