League of Friends shop celebrates ten years

Sunday, 18 December 2022 00:00

Salisbury District Hospitals League of Friends shop is celebrating its tenth anniversary despite some challenges along the way.

Towards the end of 2011, Salisbury Foundation Trust (SFT) advised the League of Friends that a W.H. Smith outlet was going to open in the main foyer of the hospital.

This had significant implications for the League’s shop, also in the main foyer, as it sold many items which would compete with W.H.Smith.

The League’s Trustees were told that the shop had either to close or come up with a viable alternative.

One of the Trustees, Trevor Grant, who had had over forty years of experience in the confectionery business, suggested we could sell hand-made confectionery, which he could source.

SFT agreed, and during the summer of 2012, the site of the existing shop was converted to make two shops – one for the League of Friends and one for the Stars Appeal for their bookstall.

The fact that both hospital charities were to work side by side seemed particularly appropriate.

Mark Bell, another Trustee, erected the shelving, drawers and cupboards for the new shop and his wife, Dawn, set about ordering all the necessary items to ensure the smooth running of the shop whilst also taking on the role of the shop manager.

Fortunately, many of those who helped in the previous shop were happy to help in the new one. After four months, and with over two hundred varieties of sweets and chocolates, as well as a wide range of sugar-free sweets, the newly designed and refurbished League of Friends shop was opened on the 19th of November 2012.

Over the years since then, the shop has expanded the range of goods that they sell. Chief amongst these is knitwear.

The League of Friends is fortunate to be supported by groups of ladies who provide the shop with lovely items – little jackets, hats, gloves, blankets, soft toys and even Christmas decorations!

The mainstay of the shop is the continued sale of confectionery. Their work over the years has resulted in profits ranging from £20,000 - £40,000 per year, which the League has been able to pass on to the hospital.

More from Local News

Enjoy an exciting day of celebrations at Salisbury City Council’s St George’s Day Event

On Sunday 26 April, Salisbury Market Place and Guildhall Square will come to life with family-friendly activities, stalls, performances and workshops from 10am to 4pm.
Market Place Stage Line Up with plenty on offer

There is a host of events happening in Salisbury Market Place over the coming month, including Salisbury Sings - a Mass Karaoke Event.
Salisbury Sings set to get the City Singing

On Friday, 24th April, Salisbury Radio is inviting people to come together at Salisbury Sings.
Stars Appeal trekkers to reach new heights in India

A group of 29 adventurous fundraisers are training for an unforgettable trek through the foothills of the Indian Himalayas in support of the Stars Appeal, Salisbury Hospital’s Charity.
Find out more about Salisbury Transport Strategy at City Hall drop-in event

Residents, businesses, and local organisations are being invited to attend a public drop-in event to find out more about Wiltshire Council’s Salisbury Transport Strategy and the proposals being developed to shape the future of travel in the city.
Network Rail continues West of England Line improvement works

Over the Easter weekend, Friday 3 April to Monday 6 April, engineers will be replacing the stretch of track on the West of England Line that runs through Seaton Junction, to the west of Axminster.
Appeal for information and witnesses after pregnant ewes mauled

Wiltshire Police are appealing for witnesses and information after three pregnant sheep were killed, believed to be by a dog, in Upper Chute this morning (1st April).
New High Sheriff for Wiltshire and Swindon 2026-27

Wiltshire’s new High Sheriff was sworn in on Friday, 27th March, in a ceremony which dates back to Saxon times.