Tails and Whiskers Charity Shop hosts a market day

Community spirit and Easter fun were the theme of the day when Tails and Whiskers Charity Shop hosted a recent morning market.

Held on March 16, community members gathered in remembrance as they celebrated the life of Vivienne Mines.

The co-founder of the charity shop, Sharon Blackwell, explained Vivienne was a special friend and frequent visitor to the shop’s tea garden.

“Vivienne was one of the main reasons we started the tea garden behind the shop,” explained Sharon.

She said one day Vivienne and her daughter Michelle visited the store with some takeaway coffee and cake.

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Offering them a place to sit and enjoy their treat, the duo enjoyed their coffee and cake in the garden behind the store.

After a few more visits with takeaway cake, the Tails and Whiskers Tea Garden grew from the idea of becoming an inviting space for all community members and their pets.

“It’s become a wonderful place. People from all over come and enjoy each other’s company.

“Nobody is on their phone; everyone is talking to each other, and it is a place where people can connect, which is so important nowadays.”

Vivienne passed away on March 9.

There was a memorial table in the tea garden where community members could lay flowers, either bought or from their gardens in memory of Vivienne or their loved ones.

Speaking about the Easter fun, Sharon said three children enjoyed themselves and had fun collecting Easter eggs.

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“The children were all excited; it was all massive fun for everyone.”

Sharon said the day went well.

In terms of donations, Sharon said the community has been extremely forthcoming.

She said Elphin Lodge had knitted blankets for Hellen White in the community.

“With all our donations, we have been fortunate enough to pay it forward and donate items to other charity organisations such as the SPCA.”