Evesham Oxfam reopens with special guests and live music

The Oxfam on High Street reopened this week having undergone a complete overhaul.

The charity shop has changed focus, with a new emphasis on books and music.

Manager Lindsey Lavender couldn’t be happier with how people have reacted to the changes.

She said: “It has been an amazing first weeks opening here with new volunteers coming forward and customers saying what a big and better difference the shop is making for the Town.

“People still love to buy physical books and records to read and listen to and everyone seems so supportive and welcoming of the changes.

“Any caution I might have had has been blown out the window with the massive and positive response received this week. Long may it continue.

“Thank you Evesham and to all our volunteers, whom without this could never have happened.”

Local musician Kev ‘Spitz’ Spittle was on hand to delight the crowds for the opening of the new-look shop

To celebrate the relaunch, a range of activities and events were held at the store throughout the week.

Local musician Kev ‘Spitz’ Spittle got the show underway on Tuesday with some 50s music before a visit from children’s storyteller Teres Davis.

New Worcestershire Poet Laureate Rhianna Levi popped in on Thursday to host a workshop and competition.

Then on Friday, Mid Worcestershire MP Nigel Huddleston came down to choose a winner of the ‘book character’ drawing competition and officially open the revamped Oxfam branch.

MP Nigel Huddleston was among the special guests to pop by the revamped Oxfam

Chair of the Evesham Festival of Words, Sue Ablett, also made sure to swing by the new shop during the opening week and it’s fair to say she was impressed by what she saw.

“Lindsey and her team at Oxfam Shop are to be congratulated on the bold move to transform the shop from a general charity shop to one specialising in books and music,” she said.

“I popped in twice this week, firstly to donate some books. Rihanna Levi, the new Worcestershire Poet Laureate, was running a poetry workshop at the time, which seemed to be going down well.

“Then Friday afternoon I went in to officially cut the ribbon and declare the new shop open.

“It was a good chance to chat to some of the volunteers who have been recruited to help in the new look shop, and to chat to some customers.

“It was nice to see some young mums snapping up books from the extensive children's section, and to hear that they will be regulars.

“The layout in the shop means it’s really easy to find what you're looking for and it feels like a great addition to the town.”

Worcestershire's new Poet Laureate, Rhianna Levi, hosted a workshop on Thursday