St Barnabas Hospice has finally seen a year’s planning pay off with the opening of its brand new shop, which also offers a base for the charity’s online sales and a drop-off donation service.
The Warehouse on Cardinal Close opened to the public on Friday, February 11 and will be open all year round, Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm, raising money for end of life charity St Barnabas Hospice.
Having previously been used as a donation drive-thru, The Warehouse has undergone a huge change to offer people a preloved shopping experience to scout for items donated to St Barnabas.
The Warehouse is officially open! | Photo: Rachel London Photography
There is a wide variety of items at The Warehouse. | Photo: Rachel London Photography
It has been in the works for well over a year, and has been designed with accessibility and sustainability in mind. The repurposed building will now serve as a charity shop, a base for St Barnabas’ eBay and Depop activities, as well as an easy drop-off point for donated items.
Supporters of the charity are now encouraged to book a slot to arrive and donate their items, which can be dropped off at the dedicated donations section near the entrance. There will be an initial maximum donation of four bags or boxes at any one time.
The donation stations at The Warehouse. | Photo: Rachel London Photography
Free parking is available on Cardinal Close and the premises itself, but the hospice has requested people walk or catch public transport if possible to avoid disruption during the early busy period of opening The Warehouse.
Preloved shopping at its best. | Photo: Rachel London Photography
The Warehouse will be open six days a week. | Photo: Rachel London Photography
Emma-Jayne Parker, superstore and eCommerce manager, who will be running the new store, said: “As a hospice, we have decided to create The Warehouse to capitalise on the success of our charity shops across the county and to create a destination retail experience for our already generous supporters.
“The Warehouse will retain a sense of the £1 element which has been popular in other shops, as well as featuring designer and high street fashion at affordable prices, upcycled furniture, homewares, books, toys, bric-a-brac and more.
“We have been working to make this a welcome space for all and have ensured there are disabled parking bays, a ramp entrance, neutral flooring, spacious changing room and low level, ground floor shopping. All staff and volunteers will also have access to Dementia Friends training.”
A launch evening was held on Thursday. | Photo: Rachel London Photography
The opening of The Warehouse has also opened an opportunity for volunteers at the hospice, with the charity looking for support for the online sales manager with eBay and Depop. If you are interested, visit the volunteer section of the St Barnabas website.
| Photo: Rachel London Photography
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A family-run jewellers with more than 50 years’ experience is relocating from Newark to open in Lincoln’s Cornhill Quarter next week.
Smiths The Jewellers was based on Balderton Gate in Newark for 18 years, but it will now move into the unit previously occupied by Oxfam at 26-27 Sincil Street.
The new shop will open at 10am on Saturday, June 4 and the business has collaborated with Chambers Florists, also of the Cornhill Quarter, to do a jubilee themed window display.
Smiths The Jewellers is a traditional family-run business selling a wide range of jewellery, both new and pre-owned, as well as buying unwanted and broken jewellery. The shop will also offer services such as repairs, alterations and valuations.
The four employees will move over to the new shop and two new jobs have also been created.
Business owner Sonya Smith is the third generation of a family of jewellers and she told The Lincolnite: “We had some amazing customers in Newark, and also who travelled from Lincoln. We are excited to be opening in Lincoln.
“The Cornhill Quarter is vibrant and such a nice place to be and will allow us to expand. We are a great family business with a lot of loyal followers.”
The trial of a Skegness woman who denies causing the death of Nottingham Trent University student Hope Starsmore by dangerous driving has been put back until next year.
Rebecca Porter, 33, of Cottesmore Close, Skegness, was due to go on trial at Lincoln Crown Court on June 27. Her trial was expected to last four days.
However a pre-trial hearing at Lincoln Crown Court was today (Friday) told more time is needed to gather evidence from expert witnesses.
Judge Catarina Sjolin Knight told Ms Porter her trial would now be listed at Lincoln Crown Court on April 17 next year.
Granting Ms Porter unconditional bail Judge Sjolin Knight explained to her: “Unfortunately there is very little realistic prospect of this trial being ready for June 27.
“I know that is difficult for you. I am sure it is also difficult for the family of the lady who was killed.”
At a previous hearing in October last year Porter pleaded not guilty to causing the death of Ms Starsmore on October 7, 2020 by dangerous driving on the A158 at Burgh le Marsh, near Skegness.
Ms Starsmore was rushed to hospital after a collision in Skegness Road, Burgh le Marsh, at around 8.15am on Wednesday, October 7.
Despite multiple operations, doctors were unable to save her and she died eight days after the crash.
Ms Starsmore had just started a course in medical science at Nottingham Trent University and wanted to become a paramedic.
Due to coronavirus, she had decided to live at home in Skegness and study. She also opted to commute to Nottingham once a week.
She was airlifted to Hull Royal Infirmary after the crash and placed in a medically-induced coma.
Her brother and her partner had been travelling with her on their way to Nottingham Trent University and received minor injuries.
Despite having moved to the Lincolnshire seaside, Hope had grown up in Corby, Northamptonshire.
Porter will next appear at Lincoln Crown Court on June 27 for a further pre-trial hearing.