An animal charity has opened a new flagship shop in the heart of the Penrith high street.
Eden Animal Rescue moved premises to 3, Devonshire Street after spending 16 years at Great Dockray, cutting the official blue ribbon to open the site last Wednesday.
The not-for-profit shop will sell a variety of goods, such as clothing, books and pet paraphernalia to support its rescue centre at Newbiggin, near Temple Sowerby.
Chairman of the charity, Chris Cheetham, said the team had been looking for a bigger site for some time to accommodate more stock and when the lease came up, they leapt at the opportunity.
“Trustees are very grateful for the wonderful support of our fanta tic volunteers without whom we could not support and rehome our
lovely animals,” added Chris.
“As the town has developed, the foot traffic has bypassed us a little so the move should remind everyone that we are here and have been for 25 years.”
The moving of the shop was not the only transition for the charity this year.
Longstanding shop managers Nina Ritchie and Bill Crothers handed over the reins to Gillian Jacobs.
Gillian, who only started working with the charity before the first lockdown, said: “I loved the little shop but the new one is huge. It’s
beyond our wildest dreams really.
“It’s already been so busy, we’ve been inundated with donations – we’ve received some fabulous stuff.”
Nina and Bill, aged 80, of Penrith worked tirelessly at the Great Dockray shop for nearly two decades, raising more than £500,000 through their voluntary service. This has been spent directly on care for animals in need. The pair did the honours of cutting the ribbon.
Nina said: “We’ve had some wonderful times in the shop over the years. The work of Eden Animal Rescue is wonderful, so much of our takings goes towards the animals.”
Bill will now focus his time on his hobby of collecting 19th century books, researching the original owner and writing a condensed history which he places inside the texts.
Nina added that she was so pleased to be handing over control of the shop to Gillian, who, despite not being with the charity long, has worked tirelessly for it and who really believes in the vision of Eden Animal Rescue.
Trustee Rob Holder, who was one of the driving forces behind the change in premises, said: “It was hard work getting everything up and running but I’m so pleased with how it has turned out.
He added that one of the charity’s greatest successes is the high retention rate of volunteers, many of whom stay for many years. Some of the charity’s original founders still chip in.
Despite fears of a post-lockdown boom in discarded pets, the team were pleased that numbers were not as dramatic as first thought. With that said the cattery is full.
The new shop will be open from 10am to 4pm daily, except Sunday, but the board would like to extend opening times.
To do so, the charity is urging people to come forward and volunteer.
More information is available at www.edenanimalrescue.org.uk
