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Indeed in Saxon Square we were excited to be working once again with council and other local organisations on an innovative educational retail exercise.
The Twynham & Glenmoor Schools charity shop proved an instant success with the public and raised nearly £900 for the Jigsaw Cancer & Blood Disorders Appeal at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital. It also provided a useful introduction to retail for the 12 Year Ten students as part of their City & Guilds Level 2 Retail Course; the course was recently set up as an addition to the vocational courses already offered by their schools.
Students were introduced to the range of disciplines and activities that comprise running a shop in the modern retail environment. Local shops supported the activity with donations of stock and expertise. Merchandising and interior design were a keen focus and the shop was superbly presented, as was commented upon by the bargain hunters who flocked to support it in the three days it was open to the public.
Christchurch Mayor, Cllr David Flagg and local celebrity, Sam Bond formerly Atlas of Sky's Gladiators, also lent their support and were delighted to jointly open the event. Both being well known advocates of students' opportunities and skills training.
Overall this was one of the more worthwhile projects so far this year. We always get a buzz out of seeing kids discover just how much more there is to life and even working life than at first meets the eye! We look forward to working on this and similar schemes in the future.
Over in Harlow, June saw us celebrate Father's Day with the search for 2009's Daring Dad - someone who would be willing to take the crown from Charity Challenge Dad Eric Rogers.
Once again a PR campaign, supported by press, radio and website led the search for the Harvey Centre's new Daring Dad and we look forward to meeting winner Wayne Everett as he takes the first challenge - feeding the Tigers at Paradise Wildlife Park!