The idea of running a charity shop in Dalbeattie to help raise funds for the town’s Community Initiative was the brain child of former local councillor Helen Bell. It was hoped that opening a shop to sell on unwanted goods, both brand new and second hand, would prove just as successful as a fundraiser in Dalbeattie.
After the idea was given the green light by the Initiative’s Directors suitable premises were found at 39 High Street and the shop opened the doors to the first customers in April 2008.
The shop is managed by John Winter and greatly assisted by a band of excellent, friendly volunteers. They ensure the shop is fully stocked, and staffed during opening hours. The shop sells everything you expect to find in a charity shop – and much more besides.
The shop also acts as a recycling centre with books, small electrical goods, metals, polythene, paper and cardboard, clothes, shoes and bags all collected so that they can be recycled. So even if you’re not sure that you’re unwanted goods are fit for sale in the shop still bring them down and they’ll be put to good use one way or another.
Helen’s original optimism about the success of the shop has been proven well founded and the shop also proves that community spirit is alive and kicking in Dalbeattie. Donations of goods to the shop flow in at a healthy rate (although more are always welcome!) and the till is kept busy with customers who’ve found themselves a bargain. Some even pay more than the asking price knowing that they’re helping a good cause and that they’ve still got a good deal.
To John and his staff the shop is more than just a shop. They believe that it has become a focal point for the community; somewhere you can stop in for a chat and catch up with old friends. So next time you’re passing please stop in for a look round and while we can’t guarantee you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for at the first attempt we can guarantee a friendly welcome!
The money raised by the shop goes to support the Initiative’s work in the community which includes environmental volunteering activities, the Visitor Information and Craft Centre and the Dalbeattie Matters community newsletter.
New volunteers are always welcomed and anyone interested in helping out in the shop should pop in and see John to discuss any possibilities.
PRELOVED AWARDS
An awards scheme has been launched to provide financial help to organisations, groups or individuals in Dalbeattie and surrounding areas.
The scheme, called Dalbeattie Preloved Awards, has been set up by Dalbeattie Community Initiative. The money will come from the Preloved charity shop run by the Initiative.
Any organisation, group or individual applying for an award must be based or live in the areas covered by Dalbeattie Community Initiative; that is Dalbeattie, Haugh of Urr, Kirkgunzeon, Beeswing, Buittle, Colvend and Southwick, and their activities must directly benefit people in those areas. Applications can be for up to £500 in any twelve month period. Mrs Helen Bell, one of the people who came up with the idea, said "We have tried to make it easy to apply, the form is just one page, so we hope that we will be able to help lots of local people and groups".
Information and application forms are available from Preloved Charity Shop, 39 High Street, Dalbeattie, from the Initiative Shop at 16 High Street, or can be downloaded from this page.
PRELOVED AWARDS
Page updated December 2021