Tag: Furniture collection

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Hospice teams up with theatre behind the scenes

We’ve loved working with Guide Bridge Theatre on their recent production of The Odd Couple.

Our Retail team has been speaking with Vicky from the theatre’s volunteer coordinators team since November to help supply props for their performances – including a table, chairs, and a glass cabinet pictured from the latest show.

By renting selected items from our shops at a much-lower cost than specialist prop hire companies, the Audenshaw theatre saves money and storage space, as well as accessing unique, period-appropriate pieces.

Once the show ends, we simply collect the items and return them to our shops, ready to be sold.

It’s a collaborative way to support a brilliant local theatre, promote sustainability, and raise vital funds for the Hospice.

We’re looking forward to seeing this little project develop!

“This partnership is a win-win,” Vicky said. “We often need unique items to help bring our stories to life on stage — from vintage armchairs to quirky lamps. Being able to source these from Willow Wood Hospice means we can do so affordably, while also contributing to an incredibly worthwhile cause.”

Paul King, our Warehouse and Logistics Manager, added:  “We’re thrilled to be working with Guide Bridge Theatre. It’s wonderful to see our donated goods taking on a second life on stage, helping to tell meaningful stories and entertain local audiences, all while raising funds for hospice care. It’s a beautiful example of community collaboration in action.”

The next Guide Bridge Theatre production is Agatha Christie’s A Murder Is Announced, which opens on Monday, July 28, and organisers hint that several pieces sourced through the new initiative will feature prominently.

Pictured is a scene from The Odd Couple production and our furniture collection van parked outside the theatre.

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The success of our Purchase and Donate shop in Stalybridge

For over 10 years, the Purchase and Donate (PAD) shop in Stalybridge has been a cornerstone of the community, offering a unique shopping experience while raising vital funds for Willow Wood Hospice.

Specialising in children’s toys and clothing, bric-a-brac, and furniture, last year this bustling shop generated around 30 per cent of our shops’ total annual income – which directly supports patients from Tameside and Glossop with life-limiting illnesses in our care.

A team that makes it happen

The PAD is a thriving operation, thanks to a dedicated team of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to keep things running smoothly.

Manager Michelle Baxter is proud of the shop’s impact and the commitment of those who support it.

“We are grateful to have a wonderful team who work incredibly hard,” Michelle shares. “We’re lucky to receive fabulous, high-quality donations, and we have a wide range of customers who support us. Knowing that we make a significant contribution to the care of patients at the Hospice makes it all worthwhile.”

Michelle Baxter
Michelle Baxter

 

A treasure trove of items

The PAD shop offers something for everyone. On the ground floor, customers can browse a selection of furniture – including sofas, beds, kitchen tables, coffee tables and mirrors – as well as books, picture frames and even jigsaw puzzles.

The dedicated bric-a-brac section is a treasure trove of unique and quirky finds—perfect for those who love discovering hidden gems.

The bric-a-brac section is a treasure trove waiting for you to discover

Upstairs, the children’s section has seen exciting developments. Since the café closed, Viv Frattaroli and her team have expanded the space to offer even more for families.

“We wanted to make the most of the space and create a welcoming environment for children and their parents,” says Viv. “Now, we have an even wider range of children’s items, from teddies and toys to clothes and prams. It’s fantastic to see families coming in and finding great-quality items at affordable prices.”

Viv Frattaroli
Viv Frattaroli

Pay the PAD a visit

The PAD shop wouldn’t be the success it is without the generosity of donors and customers, and every purchase made directly helps us provide essential care to those who need it most.

If you’re looking for quality pre-loved furniture, you’ll still find a fantastic selection at the PAD.

Some of the furniture available at The PAD

We now a smoother system in place to collect your furniture donations – visit www.willowwood.org.uk/furniture-collection to find out more.

Whether you’re hunting for a bargain, donating items or simply browsing, the PAD shop is a special place where the community comes together to make a difference. Thank you for your continued support!

You will find the PAD at 13/15 Shepley Street (postcode SK15 2AH) and it’s open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 4pm.

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Hospice shops introduce new smoother system for furniture donations

To make the most of every donation, Willow Wood Hospice’s charity shops now have a new system for fast and free furniture collection.

It comes as the Hospice’s furniture donation vans have also been given a much-needed makeover.

Having looked a little worse for wear previously, the refreshed fleet have a clear and contemporary new livery with details of the updated donation process.

With the newly revamped vans hitting the road across Tameside and Glossop, the Hospice is rolling out a smoother system for swifter furniture collections.

Previously, donors had to call the Purchase and Donate (PAD) shop in Stalybridge to arrange a pick-up, but the process has now been streamlined to make it more efficient.

Now, anyone looking to donate furniture can contact Paul King, Warehouse and Logistics Manager, and his team directly.

You can take photographs of the item(s) you wish to donate and send them via WhatsApp on 07549 275158 with your name and address including postcode, as well as a description of the item(s).

If you don’t have WhatsApp, you can submit your photographs by filling out a simple form on the Hospice website at https://willowwood.org.uk/furniture-collection/

For those unable to send photographs, you can call 0161 669 4849 to speak to the team to arrange collection.

Our Hospice furniture donation vans were looking a little worse for wear. But fear not, because we’ve given them a much-needed makeover!

Paul said: “It’s essential that we have as much information as possible about the donation because we cannot accept everything and we would hate to waste anybody’s time in turning up to pick up an item that we would be unable to accept – e.g. a sofa without a fire label or furniture that we wouldn’t be able to sell because of wear and tear.”

The new process means the Hospice’s team can make the best use of the space at the Donation Centre in Ashton-under-Lyne, plan collections more effectively, and get donations into shops quicker than ever.

About the new system, Paul added: “It’s all about better stock distribution, smoother sales, and faster collections.

“This new system isn’t just making collections easier—it’s set to boost furniture sales and improve stock across all three shops! The PAD and Waterloo will continue to sell furniture, but without the added pressure of handling logistics, freeing them up to focus on providing the best possible service to our customers.

“Plus, we’ve simplified booking system, so it’s now easier than ever to donate! We introduced a WhatsApp function which is already been a game-changer, letting people send photos and a description of their donation for a quicker response.

“From first contact to collection, the whole process can now be wrapped up in as little as three days, depending on what suits the donor—making it faster, simpler, and more efficient for everyone!”

If you see the new-look vans out and about, tag Willow Wood Hospice on their Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn platforms.

The Hospice, based in Ashton-under-Lyne, provides specialist, compassionate and dignified care to patients from Tameside and Glossop with any life-limiting illness and those closest to them.